Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-up
A Rising Star Takes Center Stage
In the landscape of modern cricket, few names have generated as much buzz as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After a breathtaking performance throughout the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the young prodigy has firmly established himself as a generational talent. Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who has observed the youngster’s development from the closest quarters, believes the time is ripe for Sooryavanshi to receive his maiden international call-up.
An Extraordinary Campaign
The numbers behind Sooryavanshi’s 2026 season are nothing short of staggering. Over the course of 16 innings, the teenager amassed 776 runs at a blistering strike rate of 237.30. Perhaps most impressively, 684 of those runs came solely from boundaries, highlighting his aggressive intent and ability to clear the ropes with ease. Despite his youth, he shouldered the burden of the opening partnership for the Rajasthan Royals with a level of maturity that often eludes seasoned professionals.
Reflecting on his progression, Sangakkara noted, “With everything Vaibhav has shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he is more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him. I am sure that he will get that call-up very, very soon.”
Composure Under Pressure
The true test of a player’s character often comes on the biggest stages and against the toughest opposition. During Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans, Sooryavanshi was subjected to a hostile barrage of short-pitched deliveries on a difficult, two-paced surface in New Chandigarh. Facing the tall, aggressive quicks of the Titans, he displayed remarkable problem-solving skills, maneuvering his way to an exceptional 96 off just 47 deliveries while wickets tumbled at the other end. For Sangakkara, this performance was a testament to the clarity of mind Sooryavanshi possesses.
The Coaching Philosophy
When asked how the coaching staff has managed such a high-pressure environment for a 15-year-old, Sangakkara emphasized a “less is more” approach. The goal has been to nurture his natural talent without overburdening him with unnecessary tactical clutter. “We don’t clutter his mind too much. He comes to all our team meetings, he contributes, he listens, and he does a lot of homework,” the coach explained. By focusing on his preparation, video analysis, and reading of the bowlers, Sooryavanshi has been able to remain fearless and clear-headed at the crease.
A Team of Resilience
The Rajasthan Royals’ 2026 season was marked by adversity, including a long-term injury to star all-rounder Sam Curran and fitness struggles for captain Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite these obstacles, the team managed to defy pre-tournament expectations. Sangakkara was quick to praise the squad’s depth, highlighting the seamless transition of rookies like Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja into the senior setup. “To have dragged ourselves here from where we were last season—finishing ninth—is a great sign. I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Leadership and Growth
Riyan Parag’s first full season as captain also earned high praise from the coaching staff. Sangakkara noted that Parag handled on-field pressure and tactical shifts with excellence, showing significant potential for future growth. As the dust settles on the 2026 IPL, the narrative surrounding the Rajasthan Royals is one of promise. With a core of highly skilled individuals and a young star in Sooryavanshi appearing ready for the global stage, the future of the franchise looks remarkably bright. For now, the cricketing world watches and waits, expecting that the next chapter for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be written in the colors of his national team.
