Photo via CricTracker

Murali Kartik backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to bide his time for chance in India T20I side

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has expressed confidence in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ability to secure a regular spot in the national T20I team, despite the current depth of batting options at the top of the order. Sooryavanshi, included in India’s 16-man squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand starting October 22, 2026, has already made a strong impression in limited opportunities.

The 15-year-old, who became the youngest Indian to debut in international cricket during a match against England on July 4, 2026, has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at an average of 30.75. His standout performance came in the series against Zimbabwe in July 2026, where he amassed 151 runs and was named Player of the Series, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition attacks even at a young age.

Kartik highlighted Sooryavanshi’s potential, noting that while established openers like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson currently lead the batting lineup, the teenager’s talent will eventually earn him consistent game time. Before his international debut, Sooryavanshi had already made waves in domestic cricket, scoring 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 and winning the Most Valuable Player award, further cementing his place as one of India’s most exciting young batting prospects.

Up nextCricket· 4h ago

Aakash Chopra names 3 players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can replace in India XI ahead of New Zealand tour