Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara believes that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is now prepared to join the Indian squad following his outstanding performance in IPL 2026. Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs in 16 games at a remarkable rate of 237.30 runs per hundred balls, helping Rajasthan reach Qualifier 2 before losing to Gujarat Titans. Sangakkara expressed confidence in Sooryavanshi’s abilities, stating that an India call-up is imminent given his maturity and responsibility in the team.
During Qualifier 2, Sooryavanshi showcased his talent by scoring 96 runs off 47 balls on a challenging wicket. Sangakkara attributed the young cricketer’s success to his approach to the game and cricketing intelligence. He emphasized the importance of clarity and courage in Sooryavanshi’s batting, praising his dedication and preparation against formidable opponents.
Despite facing setbacks like injuries to key players, Rajasthan Royals exceeded expectations by reaching the playoffs once again. Sangakkara commended the team’s emerging talents, urging players like Yash Raj Punja and Brijesh Sharma to build on their debut IPL season performances. He highlighted the collective effort of the team in achieving playoff success and expressed pride in their hard work and dedication.
Sangakkara also lauded Riyan Parag’s debut season as captain, praising his leadership and decision-making on the field. Reflecting on the team’s journey from being underestimated to playoff contenders, Sangakkara emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and performing well in cricket, showcasing the team’s resilience and spirit.
