-1786008087267_v.webp)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's incredible IPL season made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. After his record-breaking performances in the tournament, many expected the 15-year-old batter to make an immediate impact in international cricket as well.
The young opener was included in India's tour of Ireland and England but had a quiet start to his international career, scoring 42 runs in three T20I matches. During the England series, Sooryavanshi also created history by becoming the youngest Indian to make an international debut, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record when he played the second T20I in Manchester.
Why should Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not be rushed in Tests?
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane believes the teenager should be allowed to develop naturally without unnecessary expectations. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket Podcast with former England captain Michael Vaughan, Rahane was asked whether Sooryavanshi was ready for a place in India's Test team.
“It’s tough to say or comment right now. I don’t want to say anything and put pressure on that young kid. Because people are already talking a lot about him, a lot about him. It’s just two IPL seasons. What I’ve realised is that IPL and international cricket are completely different. The pressure when you represent your country is enormous. Just for a small example, chasing 70 runs in IPL in 4, 5 overs, it’s easy. Chasing the same amount of runs in international cricket, when you are representing your country is different. So let him just play his game, let him grow,” Rahane said on the podcast *Stick to Cricket Podcast* while speaking with former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Sooryavanshi's rise over the past year has been remarkable. He became the youngest player to score an IPL century with his hundred against Gujarat Giants. Earlier this year, he also starred in India's Under-19 World Cup triumph, smashing 175 runs against England in the final.
His IPL campaign was equally impressive. The Bihar batter scored 776 runs in 16 innings at a stunning strike rate of 237.30. He became the first uncapped player to score more than 700 runs in a single IPL season and also became the first player in T20 history to score 500 runs in the powerplay during one edition of a tournament.
Recommended For You
ALSO READ: WATCH: Gautam Gambhir Sends Strong Message As Team India Start Preparing For Sri Lanka Test Series
His outstanding performances earned him the Orange Cap, the Most Valuable Player award and the Emerging Player of the Season honour.
Sooryavanshi has also shown flashes of his talent in international cricket. So far, he has scored 193 runs with two half-centuries. His best knocks came against Zimbabwe, where he scored 50 in the first T20I and 81 in the third T20I of the recently concluded series.
Rahane believes the teenager's success will depend not only on his talent but also on the people guiding him during the early years of his career.
“What he needs at the moment is the right guidance. With the right people around you. First, family is very important and family needs to understand what’s important. Nowadays, you see a lot of glam and fame and you travel and you see many people around you. Family needs to be really strong and tell him what is important, and tell him the road next five years, 10 years down the line and keep him disciplined,” said Rahane.