2 June 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : As calls grow for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into the Indian senior team following his record-breaking IPL 2026 season, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged caution, saying it is not the job of selectors or the BCCI to “handle” the teenage sensation’s career path.
Call-Up Debate Intensifies
The 15-year-old batting prodigy finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, sparking widespread demands for an immediate India call-up. He has already been selected for the India A tour of Sri Lanka, which is widely viewed as a stepping stone toward senior international cricket.
Manjrekar’s Reality Check
Speaking about the growing hype, Manjrekar said Sooryavanshi should not be rushed into challenging overseas conditions immediately and should instead be allowed to develop naturally. He argued that people around the youngster—not the BCCI—should guide his long-term cricketing ambitions.
Manjrekar added that the teenager should decide whether he wants to focus primarily on T20 cricket or pursue success across all formats, including red-ball cricket.
India A Route Preferred
The selection of Sooryavanshi for India A rather than the senior national side has been interpreted by many observers as a sign that selectors prefer a gradual development path instead of rushing him into international cricket.
Cricketing Opinions Divided
While Manjrekar has advised patience, several prominent cricket figures have backed an early India debut.
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recently described Sooryavanshi as “more than ready” for international cricket and predicted that an India call-up could come “very, very soon.”
Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised the youngster’s talent but suggested he still needs further development before being considered for Test cricket.
Selectors Taking Measured Approach
The Indian selection committee has also indicated that strong IPL performances alone may not automatically guarantee a place in the national team, especially with established players already ahead in the pecking order.
Extraordinary Rise
Sooryavanshi’s remarkable IPL campaign has transformed him into one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. His fearless batting, record-breaking six-hitting, and consistency against top-class bowling attacks have led many to compare his rise with some of India’s greatest cricketing talents.
Focus On Long-Term Development
Despite the excitement surrounding his future, experts continue to stress the importance of managing expectations around the teenager. Many believe that success at the India A level and domestic cricket could provide the ideal foundation before he takes the next step into international cricket.