Former India captain Kapil Dev has lauded 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi as a “special talent.” Suryavanshi, a left-handed opener, has been selected for the India T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games 2026. He has broken Sachin Tendulkar’s 36-year-old record to become the youngest player ever picked for the squad.
Kapil Dev expressed his admiration for Suryavanshi’s skills but advised against putting too much pressure on the young cricketer at this early stage of his career. He emphasized the importance of focusing on personal growth and the long journey ahead in the world of cricket. Kapil Dev highlighted Suryavanshi’s impressive performances in club cricket at such a tender age.
Suryavanshi’s remarkable performance in the IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals earned him a spot in the national squad. The left-hander, who clinched the Orange Cap, scored 776 runs in 16 innings at a striking strike rate of 237.30. His outstanding season included a century, five half-centuries, and a record-breaking 72 sixes. Kapil Dev acknowledged the significance of the IPL in the selection process, noting its role in identifying talent for the national team.
Before joining the senior squad for the Ireland series, Suryavanshi is scheduled to represent India A in the tri-series in Sri Lanka from June 9 to 21.
