Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar issues technical challenge to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Critics say the youngster must adjust his technique to earn long-term respect beyond the T20 format.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has publicly challenged 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to refine his batting technique if he wishes to command the respect of cricket critics and succeed in longer formats. While Manjrekar acknowledges that Sooryavanshi is ready for the Indian T20 team based on his recent performances, he argues that the youngster's current habit of staying leg-side is a liability against top nations.
The commentary was delivered in an interview with Sportstar following Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 campaign and a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Maharashtra. Manjrekar noted that Sooryavanshi's habit of staying leg-side limits his success in Test cricket, specifically when facing opposition from sides like England, Australia, and South Africa. He advised the teenager to play closer to the ball to secure a place in the national side alongside established openers such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Manjrekar explicitly stated that Sooryavanshi's T20 success is currently insufficient to command 'respect' from critics, despite the youngster's readiness for the T20 international stage. The former batter highlighted a specific technical flaw: Sooryavanshi's tendency to stay leg-side and hit balls through point, contrasting this with the requirement to get close to the ball for Test cricket success. He observed that consistent T20 batters in recent years often stay leg-side to create space, but this approach does not translate well to the demands of longer formats.
The distinction between playing for fame and wealth versus playing to earn the respect of the cricketing fraternity was a central theme of Manjrekar's remarks. He added that if the goal is simply for a child to be famous and rich, T20 batting is the correct path, but achieving the respect of peers and critics requires a fundamental shift in technique. Manjrekar warned that a player will not get 20 runs in England or Australia by staying away from the ball.
This critique comes as Sooryavanshi has scored 404 runs in 10 matches in IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 237.64, including a century against top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. His performances have led to discussions about whether he could be selected for the India team after the IPL, and Manjrekar confirmed that he has done enough to be considered for the T20 squad. However, the former batter cautioned that competition for spots remains fierce given the number of openers already in contention.
Ultimately, Manjrekar's assessment suggests that while Sooryavanshi has the talent to light up the T20 stage, his future in international cricket depends on his willingness to adapt his technique for the rigours of Test cricket. The former batter's words serve as a stark reminder that success in the shorter format does not automatically guarantee longevity or respect in the longer game.
