“Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all thr – Can Play all: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India
The Rise of a New Indian Cricket Sensation
The landscape of Indian cricket is perpetually evolving, yet rarely does a talent emerge with the sheer force and consistency of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the IPL 2026 season concludes, one name remains etched at the top of the collective consciousness of fans and experts alike. Providing a significant endorsement for the young prodigy, “Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India, highlighting the teenager’s ability to transcend the boundaries of white-ball flair and red-ball substance.
A Glimpse into the Future
Sarfaraz Khan, speaking on the sidelines of a recent promotional event, reminisced about his first encounter with the youngster. Their paths first crossed in January 2024 during a Ranji Trophy fixture between Bihar and Mumbai. At just 12 years and 284 days old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to make a First-Class debut in over six decades. While the match results did not favor Bihar, Sarfaraz noted that the raw potential was unmistakable even then.
“He’s a very good friend of mine, and we stay in touch. I first saw him during that Ranji debut, and even then, I could see that he had great skill,” Sarfaraz remarked. When questioned on the versatility of the youngster, Sarfaraz was emphatic: “He can play both red-ball and white-ball cricket.”
Dominance Beyond the IPL
While his exploits in the 2026 IPL season have catapulted him to superstardom, Sooryavanshi’s pedigree was established long before. His trajectory has been marked by record-breaking performances at every level:
- Under-19 World Cup: He finished as the second-highest run-getter, including a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.
- Youth International Cricket: In September 2024, at age 13, he smashed the second-fastest century in Youth Test history.
- List-A Brilliance: In December 2025, he shattered records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 190 runs off 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh, including the fastest 150 in the format’s history.
The Secret Behind the Success: Mindset and Preparation
Sarfaraz Khan believes that the technical skill displayed by Sooryavanshi is only half the story. The true differentiator, according to the seasoned batter, lies in the teenager’s mental approach. “His mindset and preparation are different. Anyone can succeed with hard work, but he has worked extremely hard on his game,” Sarfaraz added.
This dedication translated into a historic IPL 2026 campaign. Sooryavanshi finished the season with the Orange Cap, accumulating 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a staggering strike rate of 237. His record of 72 sixes in a single season underlines his power-hitting capabilities, yet his ability to anchor innings suggests a maturity far beyond his years.
Looking Ahead
Despite Rajasthan Royals’ heart-wrenching exit from the IPL, where Sooryavanshi scored a valiant 96 off 47 balls in a losing cause, the conversation has already shifted toward his inevitable national call-up. There are strong reports suggesting the selectors are considering him for the upcoming tour of England, signaling the start of what many hope will be a legendary career for the Indian cricket team.
As the cricket fraternity watches in awe, one thing remains clear: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just a flash in the pan. With the backing of senior professionals like Sarfaraz Khan and a track record of success across various formats, the young batter is poised to become a cornerstone of Indian cricket for years to come.
