“Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India
A Rising Star Hailed by Peers
In the fast-paced world of professional cricket, few talents generate as much buzz as teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the IPL 2026 season reaches its crescendo, the young sensation has become the talk of the cricketing fraternity. Notably, seasoned campaigner Sarfaraz Khan has stepped forward to express his admiration for the prodigy, emphasizing that the youngster possesses the rare quality to represent India across all three formats. For Sarfaraz, who has seen the evolution of the game at the highest levels, the maturity displayed by Sooryavanshi is indicative of a long and storied career ahead.
Early Signs of Brilliance
Sarfaraz Khan’s assessment is not merely based on the fireworks witnessed during the ongoing IPL season. The connection between the two dates back to early 2024, when Sooryavanshi made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against a formidable Mumbai side at the tender age of just 12 years and 284 days. Despite the result not going in favor of his team, Sarfaraz recalled being struck by the sheer technical skill and composure displayed by the youngster during that high-pressure match.
“I first saw him during that Ranji debut, and even then, I could see that he had great skill,” Sarfaraz noted during a recent event. Since that encounter, the two have stayed in touch, with Sarfaraz closely monitoring the teenager’s rapid trajectory through the domestic and international youth ranks.
The Versatility to Succeed
When questioned about whether the youngster could adapt to the distinct demands of Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, Sarfaraz was unequivocal. “He can play both red-ball and white-ball cricket,” he asserted. This confidence is backed by a resume that is already becoming legendary. Beyond the glitz of the IPL, Sooryavanshi has dominated the Under-19 circuit, notably finishing as the second-highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup, where he smashed a 175-run masterclass off just 80 balls against England in the final.
A Record-Breaking IPL 2026 Campaign
Sooryavanshi’s performance in the IPL 2026 has been nothing short of historic. Sitting atop the Orange Cap leaderboard with 776 runs in 16 matches, his impact has been seismic. Averaging 48.50 with a staggering strike rate of 237, he has redefined the role of a modern power-hitter. His 72 sixes in a single season set a new benchmark for aggression, yet it is his temperament that has impressed pundits the most.
Even in the recent heartbreaker against the Gujarat Titans, where the Rajasthan Royals failed to defend 214, Sooryavanshi stood tall, scoring 96 off 47 balls. It is this ability to perform under extreme pressure that has fueled the growing calls for his immediate inclusion in the Indian national side.
The Secret Behind the Success
According to Sarfaraz, the distinguishing factor for Sooryavanshi is not just natural talent, but his preparation. “His mindset and preparation are different,” Sarfaraz explained. “Anyone can succeed with hard work, but he has worked extremely hard on his game.”
This dedication is evident in his trajectory. From scoring the second-fastest century in Youth Tests at age 13 to his explosive 190-run innings off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, every milestone points to a player who has mastered his craft. Whether it is white-ball clinical hitting or the patience required for the longer format, Sooryavanshi has shown an ability to shift gears that is rare for someone of his age.
Looking Ahead
As the cricket world watches on, the debate regarding his international call-up continues to gain momentum. With whispers of a potential maiden ODI call-up for the upcoming tour of England, the future looks incredibly bright. Sarfaraz Khan’s endorsement serves as a testament to the belief that the Indian cricketing structure has produced a generational talent who is ready to take on the world, regardless of the format or the color of the ball.
