Glenn McGrath Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL Impact In Chennai Event

Former Australian fast-bowling great Glenn McGrath has said that young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has “definitely changed the game,” while also reiterating his strong belief that Test cricket must remain a five-day format. McGrath, who is currently in Chennai as the Director of Coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation alongside chief coach M Senthilnathan, shared his views on the evolving landscape of modern cricket and player development.

Speaking about Test cricket, McGrath expressed concern over matches finishing too quickly, saying the traditional format loses its essence when games end within three days. He emphasized that the true challenge of Test cricket lies in its duration and the ability of players to adapt over five days. According to him, playing on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch is the ultimate test of skill and temperament for both batters and bowlers, and should remain central to the format’s identity.

McGrath also stressed that Test cricket should not be altered to suit modern demands, even as discussions continue about introducing shorter versions such as four-day Tests. He argued that the sport already offers multiple limited-overs formats and that the longest format should be preserved in its traditional structure. In his view, maintaining the balance between bat and ball over five days is essential to judging a player’s true quality.

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Turning to emerging talent, McGrath praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his explosive performances in the IPL, where the youngster gained attention for his aggressive batting, including hitting three consecutive sixes off Australia captain Pat Cummins. McGrath said the teenager’s power and technique have made a significant impact on the game and noted that such prodigious talent is particularly rare at that age level.

He added that Sooryavanshi’s rise reflects the evolving nature of modern cricket, especially in India and the subcontinent, where young players are increasingly fast-tracked into high-pressure competitions. However, he also suggested that it would be important to see whether the youngster aspires to play Test cricket in the future, given the growing dominance of shorter formats in shaping careers.

McGrath further reflected on leadership in cricket, saying captains play a crucial role in setting team culture and standards. Drawing parallels with his own experiences in Australian cricket, he said successful leaders lead by example and create an environment where young players feel included and motivated. He also expressed pride in the performance of MRF Pace Foundation graduates currently featuring in the IPL, highlighting their strong performances and consistent contributions to their franchises.

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