Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi has endorsed the idea of awarding a T20I cap to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a talented left-handed young opener. Sooryavanshi, who shone in the 2026 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup for India, is set to be the youngest player in the men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar’s debut. His exceptional performance in the IPL 2026 for Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 776 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30, has caught attention.
Gandhi highlighted Sooryavanshi’s ability to face top bowlers globally and play authentic shots with finesse. He emphasized the young cricketer’s adaptability, citing instances where Sooryavanshi displayed maturity by rotating strike and adjusting to match situations effectively. Gandhi stressed the importance of Sooryavanshi’s exposure to different formats and the need for enhancing his fielding skills for overall growth.
According to Gandhi, Sooryavanshi’s talent demands grooming and exposure in India A games to prepare him for higher levels of cricket. Gandhi expressed optimism about Sooryavanshi’s potential in Test cricket, envisioning his dominance on the field. He praised Sooryavanshi’s prowess, stating that his batting style leaves bowlers perplexed and admiring his authority and skill at such a young age.
Rajat Patidar, another player in the spotlight for his stellar performance in the IPL, faces attention alongside Sooryavanshi. Gandhi acknowledged Patidar’s contributions to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s triumph and emphasized the selectors’ dilemma in accommodating both Patidar and the in-form Shreyas Iyer in the squad. Gandhi believed that Patidar’s consistent performance merits a place in the team, acknowledging his leadership and batting prowess.
