Dhawan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Age shouldn’t matter for India’s rising star
Dhawan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Age shouldn’t matter for India’s rising star
Shikhar Dhawan praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless IPL 2026 form, arguing performance matters more than age as the teenage prodigy eyes a future with India.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has thrown his weight behind teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting that performances at the highest level should matter more than age. Dhawan praised the youngster’s fearless approach, noting how rare such confidence is at an early stage, especially against top-quality bowlers. Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 numbers reinforce the praise: 400 runs at a striking 238.10, along with 37 sixes, making him one of the tournament’s standout performers. While the data backs his form, Dhawan acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into India's settled top order, especially after the national team’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. It’s clear that opportunity will come only if he continues to deliver at a high level.
Dhawan also reflected on the broader dynamics of Indian cricket, comparing the present landscape with his own era when a few veterans dominated the top order for long stretches. He suggested that as long as top-order slots are in form, replacing them won’t be easy, but a confident, consistent run at the IPL level could accelerate a rise to national duties. The talk around Sooryavanshi underscores a shift in T20 batting: aggression is prized, but technique and defense still matter for mastering big-stage cricket. If the teenager keeps delivering, the doors to international opportunities could open sooner than expected.
Cricket fans are watching closely to see how Sooryavanshi translates IPL success into a potential national-breakthrough, as India continues to build depth for future assignments while balancing proven match-winners with rising talent.
