Senior Players Uneasy as 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Eyes India Debut

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise in Indian cricket has not been without controversy. The 15-year-old prodigy has earned a call-up to India’s T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as the 2026 Asian Games in Japan — but reports suggest that not everyone within the Indian setup is celebrating.

According to journalist Abhishek Tripathi, citing a BCCI source, a section of senior Indian cricketers is reportedly uncomfortable with the teenager’s rapid integration into the senior national side. Some players have allegedly advised officials against rushing young talent into international cricket too soon. No official confirmation of these claims has been made by the BCCI.

A Season That Demanded Attention

It is difficult to ignore what Sooryavanshi produced during IPL 2026. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, the youngster claimed the Orange Cap by amassing 776 runs in 16 matches, finishing with a staggering strike rate of 237.30 and an average of 48.50 — numbers that would be exceptional for any batter, let alone one who is still a teenager.

His fearless, aggressive approach at the top of the order immediately drew comparisons to some of India’s greatest batters and fuelled conversations about the next generation of Indian cricket stars.

Finding Form Ahead of International Duty

However, Sooryavanshi’s form in the ongoing India A tri-series in Sri Lanka has been modest. Scores of 14, 44, and 21 in three innings suggest he is still finding his rhythm at this level ahead of his anticipated international debut.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the twilight of their careers, India’s cricket ecosystem is understandably eager — but the debate around timing, patience, and protecting young talent remains very much alive.