Former India fast bowler Mohit Sharma has said that teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already “India-ready” following a record-breaking Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, but cautioned that his selection to the senior national team should depend on the availability of a spot in the playing XI. The comments come amid growing debate over whether the 15-year-old should be fast-tracked into India’s international setup.
Sooryavanshi has been one of the standout performers of the IPL season, amassing 486 runs in 12 innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 237.78, including a century. His aggressive batting against some of the world’s leading bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood and Kagiso Rabada, has drawn widespread attention and sparked calls for his inclusion in the senior Indian team.
The youngster’s rapid rise has already been acknowledged by selectors, with Sooryavanshi earning a place in the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka beginning June 9. The selection is being viewed as a key step in the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) structured pathway system, designed to test emerging players in competitive international environments before senior team selection.
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However, India’s current depth in opening options has added to the selection dilemma. Established names such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan remain in contention, while Shubman Gill has returned to strong form in the IPL with 552 runs in 12 innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan have also strengthened the pool of top-order batters with consistent performances, making competition for spots particularly intense.
Speaking on the matter, Mohit Sharma highlighted that while Sooryavanshi’s talent is undeniable and his fearless approach reflects the modern aggressive style of batting, team balance and combinations will ultimately determine his elevation to the senior side. He added that exposure at the India A level would help the teenager further develop his technique and adapt to different formats before making the leap to international cricket.
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