Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is like me, says Virender Sehwag on fearless batting approach
Former India opener Virender Sehwag sees a reflection of his own batting philosophy in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with the 15-year-old making headlines for his aggressive approach. Sehwag believes the youngster’s ability to attack from the first ball could serve him well as he looks to establish himself in the Indian team.
Speaking at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual session on Saturday, Sehwag compared Sooryavanshi’s mindset to his own and stressed that performance, rather than age, should determine a player’s place in top-flight cricket.
“Sooryavanshi is in his prime, and his thinking is somewhat similar to mine, that of hitting right from the first ball. Now, it is about when he gets the opportunity and how many matches he plays for India,” Sehwag said.
“Look, if you are playing in an age-category, it makes sense. If it’s Under-19, your age should be under 19. But once you play the IPL or play for India, age doesn’t matter. A 38-or 40-year-old (Virat) Kohli is playing, and a 15-year-old (Vaibhav) Sooryavanshi is also playing. Then, performance matters,” he added.
Sehwag finished his international career with 17,253 runs across formats and was known for taking the attack to bowlers from the outset. Sooryavanshi has shown a similar willingness to go after the bowling, but opportunities in India’s senior side have been limited as the team management continues to assess the teenager’s development.
WILL SOORYAVANSHI PLAY IND VS WI 3RD T20I?
Sooryavanshi has missed India’s first two T20Is against the West Indies, with the team retaining Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as its opening pair. India won the first match by eight wickets and kept the same XI for the second, leaving the youngster waiting for his chance.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel has backed the value of keeping Sooryavanshi involved with the squad, even when he is not selected. Morkel has challenged the teenager to learn from senior players and observe the tactical side of the game while waiting for an opportunity. His selection for the third T20I will depend on India’s team combination and the management’s assessment of its opening options.
HOW HAS SOORYAVANSHI FARED FOR INDIA?
Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 186.16. His highest score is 81, and he has registered two half-centuries in the format.
The left-handed batter first attracted widespread attention with his explosive performances in the IPL at 14. He made his senior international debut against England in July 2026, aged 15 years and 99 days, and has since featured in India’s T20I set-up. However, he is yet to play an international match on Indian soil, having also missed out during the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year.
With India continuing to rely on Samson and Abhishek at the top of the order against the West Indies, Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his next opportunity to make an impression in international cricket.
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