A Remarkable IPL 2026 Season for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an extraordinary IPL 2026 season, making him the top run-getter of the tournament despite being only 15 years old. His performance has sparked significant discussions about his potential inclusion in the Indian national team, especially with the upcoming Ireland series on the horizon.
Sooryavanshi played for the Rajasthan Royals and scored a remarkable 776 runs in 16 matches. His batting average of 48.50 is impressive, and his strike rate of 237 is nothing short of astonishing. He didn’t just score runs; he dominated the opposition with aggressive and confident batting. Among his achievements, he hit a century and several scores over 90, including crucial contributions in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches.
Although the Rajasthan Royals did not make it to the final, Sooryavanshi became one of the most talked-about players during the championship night. He collected a record number of individual awards, with the Orange Cap standing out as the most prestigious honor.
Support for Vaibhav’s India Call-Up
Following his historic IPL performance, there has been growing support for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming Ireland T20I series. MSK Prasad, a former India wicketkeeper and ex-chief selector, believes that Sooryavanshi has already proven himself to be among the best in the world in T20 cricket.
Prasad told PTI: “He is not just a prodigy or a super talent. He is already among the best in the world in T20 cricket. He should be fast-tracked immediately into the Indian side. He should be picked for the Ireland series, which happens after the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka.”
According to Prasad, there is no need to delay the youngster’s rise, especially after he demonstrated his ability to dominate strong bowling attacks throughout the IPL season. He also highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the India A squad for the Sri Lanka tour is a significant step towards earning a senior India debut.
“He added: “I think it’s nicely poised for him to be drafted into the senior Indian team. I think he is going to flourish in the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka as well. See, there is no point holding him back. He is going to play for India soon, and he is going to play for a long time.”
Prasad emphasized that while the traditional route through India A cricket still holds value, exceptional talents like Sooryavanshi deserve a quicker path. To him, Vaibhav clearly fits into this special category, even if the conventional path is usually the norm.
The Road to the India Squad
Prasad also noted that playing in high-pressure IPL conditions against the best in the world is an excellent way to gain selection for the Indian team. He believes that the selectors are considering this approach as well.
“Playing India A and then playing for India is usually the norm, but playing high-pressure IPL among the best in the world is the best way to get into the Indian side. I think the selectors are also thinking along the same line. It’s just a matter of time before he will play for India and will play for a long time.”
Upcoming Series Against Ireland
India is set to face Ireland in a two-match T20I series scheduled for June 26 to June 28. Given the brevity of the series, some young players may get opportunities, while senior stars are expected to be rested. As a result, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as a leading contender for his maiden India cap.
However, the BCCI has not yet confirmed whether the 15-year-old will receive an accelerated promotion. His immediate future may depend on how he performs in the India A series against Sri Lanka. If Sooryavanshi continues to maintain his outstanding form, his name will remain strongly in contention for the Ireland tour.
