IPL Chairman Says 15-Year-Old Could Become India’s Youngest-Ever International Player
Punjab Newsline,Sports:
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has hailed teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for selectors, saying the 15-year-old has the potential to become India’s youngest-ever international debutant. While Dhumal clarified that he is not pushing for an immediate call-up, he emphasized that talents like Sooryavanshi are rare and deserve close attention from the selectors.
Sooryavanshi has taken the ongoing Indian Premier League by storm with his fearless and explosive batting. The youngster recently produced a stunning knock of 78 runs off just 26 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, racing to a blistering half-century in just 15 deliveries. His remarkable innings once again underlined his ability to dominate top-quality bowling attacks despite his young age.
Dhumal pointed out that while India’s current opening slots are packed with in-form players like Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson, Sooryavanshi’s case remains unique due to his age and extraordinary talent. He described the teenager as someone who could redefine early entry into international cricket if groomed carefully.
Earlier in the season, Sooryavanshi had also made headlines by taking on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for two sixes in a single over, including one off the very first ball he faced. His fearless approach and ability to perform under pressure have quickly made him one of the most exciting young prospects in the tournament.
The young batter has already registered two half-centuries this season, both coming in just 15 balls, placing him joint-third on the list of fastest fifties in IPL history. He currently leads the six-hitting charts with 18 maximums and boasts an incredible strike rate of 266.66, further cementing his status as one of the breakout stars of the season.