Ganguly urges restraint as BCCI supports teen prodigy Sooryavanshi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has approved parental accompaniment for upcoming tours to manage the transition from domestic dominance to international pressure.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for patience regarding 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, urging stakeholders to avoid placing immediate high expectations on the teenager following his maiden selection to the national team. Sooryavanshi earned his call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, where he scored 776 runs to secure the Orange Cap, alongside the Emerging Player, Most Valuable Player, and most sixes awards.
Ganguly, speaking to PTI, acknowledged the youngster’s talent but emphasised that the transition from domestic T20 leagues to international cricket presents distinct challenges. He noted that conditions in Ireland and England will differ significantly from the IPL, featuring more seam, bounce, and movement with the new ball. Consequently, he advised against expecting immediate greatness, suggesting that the player needs time to settle into the senior environment without the burden of unrealistic pressure.
To facilitate this transition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved Sooryavanshi’s parents to accompany him on upcoming tours to Ireland and England, with the board covering all associated expenses. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated the decision was made to ensure the teenager remains comfortable and does not feel isolated in the adult dressing room, a significant shift from his previous experiences travelling with junior teams.
Saikia revealed that Sooryavanshi’s father, Sanjeev, has already travelled to Sri Lanka to join the India A side in Dambulla. The secretary stressed that the board has a responsibility to support the 15-year-old as he moves from the comfort zone of sub-junior environments into the senior setup, ensuring he has the necessary support structure during this critical phase of his development.
Sooryavanshi’s rapid ascent follows his key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup victory and his subsequent dominance with the Rajasthan Royals. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed high hopes for the teenager, noting his self-selection through performance. Sooryavanshi is scheduled to feature in the T20I tours of Ireland and England, followed by the Asian Games in Japan, marking the beginning of his international career.
