Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-up

A Rising Star on the Global Stage

In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of the cricketing world like a genuine prodigy. This season, that spotlight firmly fell on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After an extraordinary display of talent and temperament, Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara has publicly backed the youngster, stating that he is ready to take the leap into international cricket.

Sooryavanshi’s statistics from the 2026 IPL season are nothing short of extraordinary. Over 16 innings, the teenager amassed a staggering 776 runs at a blistering strike rate of 237.30. Perhaps most impressively, 684 of those runs came exclusively from boundaries, showcasing an ability to find the rope with frightening consistency against the world’s best bowling attacks.

The Maturity Beyond His Years

During the recent Qualifier 2 clash against the Gujarat Titans, Sooryavanshi was subjected to a hostile barrage of short-pitched bowling on a difficult, two-paced surface in New Chandigarh. While many veterans might have folded under such scrutiny, the 15-year-old demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills, fighting his way to a brilliant 96 off just 47 balls even as wickets tumbled at the other end.

Kumar Sangakkara was quick to highlight the mental fortitude displayed by his charge. “With everything Vaibhav’s shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him,” Sangakkara remarked. “I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soon. He’s batted with a lot of maturity, and he has shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership so well for us this season.”

A Simplified Approach to Success

When asked about the secret behind the youngster’s seamless transition to the elite level, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter emphasized the importance of keeping things simple. The Rajasthan Royals coaching staff has made a conscious effort to avoid cluttering Sooryavanshi’s mind with excessive technical advice.

“We don’t clutter his mind too much,” Sangakkara explained. “He contributes in team meetings, he listens, and he does a lot of homework. He practices well and he reads bowlers well by watching their videos. We don’t want to put any unnecessary thoughts into his head. A clear mind and the courage he shows at the crease are exactly what we want to see from him.”

Reflecting on a Resilient Season

The Rajasthan Royals’ campaign was not without its hurdles. With key players like Sam Curran ruled out through injury and leadership figures such as Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja managing fitness issues throughout the tournament, the team had to adapt rapidly. Sangakkara praised the collective effort of the squad, particularly the integration of rookie bowlers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja.

“I think everyone should be extremely proud of themselves,” the coach noted. “From where we were last season, finishing ninth, to have dragged ourselves here is a great sign. Dhruv Jurel often goes unnoticed, but his contribution, along with Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, and others, was vital. They are a wonderful bunch of highly skilled guys who played very hard to get where they did.”

Looking Ahead: Leadership and Growth

Sangakkara also took a moment to commend Riyan Parag for his leadership during his first full season as captain. Despite the pressure, Parag managed his on-field decisions with composure, earning the respect of the coaching staff. According to Sangakkara, the team’s journey this year—moving from an overlooked squad to a playoff contender—serves as a testament to the power of hard work and genuine enjoyment of the game.

As the curtains close on another intense IPL season, the consensus is clear: the future of Indian cricket looks incredibly bright with talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leading the charge. For the young star, the next logical step appears to be the international arena, and with the backing of a mentor as respected as Sangakkara, it seems to be only a matter of time before he dons the national colors.