Manjrekar urges caution on fast-tracking Sooryavanshi to senior T20I squad

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has advised against the immediate selection of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into India’s senior T20I squad, despite the teenager’s record-breaking IPL 2026 performance. Sooryavanshi, who won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap and MVP award with 776 runs and 72 sixes, is currently part of the India A squad touring Sri Lanka. While public pressure mounts for his inclusion in the upcoming series against Ireland starting June 26, 2026, Manjrekar argues that his career should develop organically.

He highlighted Sooryavanshi’s maturity and selflessness, such as his adaptability in the Rajasthan Royals’ playoff final, but cautioned that T20 perceptions shift rapidly. Manjrekar suggested that while Sooryavanshi is next in line after Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, rushing him into challenging overseas conditions may not be beneficial, recommending instead a focus on 50-over formats to build a more robust game.

Manjrekar noted that Sooryavanshi is next in line for selection after incumbents Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, but highlighted that perceptions in T20 cricket can change rapidly, citing the recent drop in discussion around Sharma. He stated, "Few months and things changed. No one talking about Abhishek Sharma," underscoring the volatile nature of limited-overs cricket selection.

The former batter praised Sooryavanshi’s selflessness, noting he was dismissed three times in the 90s while playing big shots for the team, and his maturity in adjusting his batting style during the Rajasthan Royals’ playoff final. Manjrekar suggested that if Sooryavanshi chooses to focus solely on T20 cricket, he should be judged as a T20 specialist, but noted the value of developing his game in 50-over formats, potentially surpassing Rohit Sharma’s 2023 World Cup performance in specific conditions.

Manjrekar told Sportstar that he would like to see Vaibhav play in similar batting conditions to those in the IPL if he is picked for India. He warned against exposing the teenager to foreign pitches in places like New Zealand or South Africa immediately, stating it would not be a great idea to put him straight into such environments. He emphasised that while the potential is evident, the decision should be left to unfold naturally.

For now, Manjrekar believes the cricketing world should enjoy the teenager's rise without rushing to draw conclusions about his future. He acknowledged the phenomenal nature of the IPL season, noting the consistency and big scores from someone so young. He concluded that he would stop there and see how the story unfolds, rather than making premature predictions about the teenager's international trajectory.

The debate arises as calls grow for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, scheduled to begin on June 26, 2026. With India scheduled to play two T20Is in Ireland, the pressure on selectors to address the young batter's rapid ascent is intensifying, though Manjrekar’s intervention suggests a more measured approach is warranted.

Manjrekar also pointed out the value of developing Sooryavanshi’s game in 50-over formats. He suggested that there is great value in certain conditions for him to bat in the first 10 overs and do what Rohit Sharma did in the 2023 World Cup, potentially even better. This perspective aligns with a broader institutional focus on long-term player development over short-term T20 sensationalism.

The former India cricketer’s comments come at a critical juncture for Indian cricket administration. With the Ireland series approaching, the board faces a decision between capitalising on current momentum or adhering to a structured development pathway. Manjrekar’s stance reflects a preference for organic growth, ensuring the teenager is not exposed to challenging overseas conditions prematurely.

As the India A squad continues their tour of Sri Lanka, Sooryavanshi remains in a developmental phase that Manjrekar believes is crucial for his long-term success. The former batter’s emphasis on selflessness and adaptability highlights qualities that extend beyond raw scoring ability, suggesting that these traits should be nurtured before the pressures of senior international cricket take hold.

The upcoming series against Ireland will serve as a key test for the selection committee’s approach to young talent. While calls for immediate inclusion are loud, Manjrekar’s advice to let things happen organically provides a counter-narrative that prioritises sustainable career progression over immediate gratification. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if this measured approach is adopted.