Ashwin backs Sooryavanshi for all formats, hails 15-year-old's box-office appeal
Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, declaring the 15-year-old a "box-office player" fit for all three formats. With 440 runs in 11 IPL 2026 matches and a fearless approach against world-class bowling, Sooryavanshi is emerging as Indian cricket's next generational talent—but Ashwin warns against premature expectations.
Key Takeaways
Ravichandran Ashwin endorsed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for all three formats after his 36 off 16 balls against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 .
Sooryavanshi has scored 440 runs across 11 matches , including one century and two half-centuries, leading Rajasthan Royals this season.
Ashwin called him a "box-office player" with rare entertainment value and urged the cricket fraternity not to overburden the teenager.
Rashid Khan's 4 for 33 restricted Rajasthan to 152 all out in their 77-run loss to Gujarat.
Ashwin highlighted Dhruv Jurel , Riyan Parag , and Donovan Ferreira as experienced batting support allowing Sooryavanshi freedom to attack.
Ravichandran Ashwin, the former India spinner, on Saturday endorsed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's multi-format potential after the 15-year-old struck 36 off 16 balls against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The Rajasthan Royals opener's fearless approach in IPL 2026 has drawn comparisons to established names, with Ashwin urging the cricket fraternity not to overburden the teenager with premature expectations.
The explosive powerplay
Sooryavanshi's assault on Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada produced three fours and three sixes during Rajasthan's chase of 230. Despite his brilliance, the middle order faltered against Rashid Khan's spin—the Afghan took 4 for 33—leaving Rajasthan all out for 152 in 16.3 overs, a 77-run defeat.
Ashwin's assessment
Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Ashwin described the teenager as a "box-office player" with rare entertainment value. "He is taking every bowler down. I wouldn't mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn't mind watching him in all three formats of the game," Ashwin said. He highlighted Sooryavanshi's U-19 World Cup final display as evidence of his composure under pressure.
Freedom to attack
Ashwin noted that Rajasthan's experienced middle order—Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira—provides the ideal buffer for Sooryavanshi's aggressive batting at the top. "He shouldn't be the one carrying that burden. If he can give them flying starts, then with the batting line-up they have, they should be winning games like those comfortably," Ashwin concluded.
Season statistics
Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 matches in IPL 2026, including one century and two half-centuries. He remains Rajasthan's leading run-scorer this season, a remarkable return for a player barely into his teens.
The broader context
Ashwin's endorsement reflects a growing consensus that Sooryavanshi represents a generational talent in Indian cricket. His ability to dismantle international-quality bowling without losing shape or discipline has set him apart from previous teenage prodigies. However, Ashwin cautioned against rushing the youngster into longer formats prematurely, stressing the importance of letting him enjoy his cricket at this formative stage.
Point of View
But Ashwin's caution is warranted. Indian cricket has a history of burning out teenage talents through premature elevation and expectation-setting. The real test is whether the system—selectors, coaches, media—can let him develop at his own pace rather than fast-tracking him into Test cricket simply because he can hit sixes. His U-19 World Cup pedigree and IPL form suggest genuine skill, not flash. The question is whether India's cricket establishment has the patience to nurture rather than exploit.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Ashwin called Sooryavanshi a "box-office player" with talent across all three formats. He said: "I wouldn't mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn't mind watching him in all three formats of the game." Ashwin urged the cricket fraternity to let the 15-year-old enjoy his cricket without excessive pressure.
How many runs has Sooryavanshi scored in IPL 2026?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has accumulated 440 runs across 11 matches in IPL 2026, including one century and two half-centuries. He is the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals this season.
What was Sooryavanshi's score against Gujarat Titans?
Sooryavanshi scored 36 off just 16 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes during Rajasthan's powerplay. Despite his explosive start, Rajasthan lost the match by 77 runs after being restricted to 152 all out by Rashid Khan's 4 for 33.
Why did Ashwin warn against burdening Sooryavanshi?
Ashwin stressed that at 15, Sooryavanshi should focus on enjoying cricket rather than carrying the weight of expectations. He noted that Rajasthan's experienced middle order—Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira—can shoulder the batting responsibility, allowing the teenager freedom to attack without pressure.
