Photo via The Times of India

‘He is somewhat similar to me’: Sehwag says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is in his prime

Former India opener Virender Sehwag drew parallels between his own aggressive batting style and that of rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has already made a significant impact in just eight T20I matches for India. The 15-year-old has amassed 246 runs at a strike rate of 186, showcasing his fearless approach from the very first ball.

Sehwag emphasized that Sooryavanshi is currently at the peak of his potential and should be given ample opportunities to develop his skills for a long international career, dismissing concerns about his age as irrelevant once players reach the senior level. He highlighted that performance, not age, should dictate a player’s place in the team, pointing out that players like Virat Kohli continue to excel well into their late 30s while young talents like Sooryavanshi also earn their spots based on merit.

Sooryavanshi’s path to consistent selection remains competitive, as experienced openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have been India’s preferred choices in recent matches. Former India all-rounder Robin Singh supported the idea of healthy competition, noting that while Sooryavanshi’s talent is undeniable, patience and sustained performance will be key.

Sehwag also praised Shubman Gill’s recent form, including his second ODI double century, and expressed confidence in India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, to play a crucial role in their bid to win the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

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