“Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India

A Rising Star Under the Spotlight

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern cricket, few names have generated as much buzz as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the IPL 2026 campaign concludes, the Rajasthan Royals sensation has left an indelible mark on the tournament. Among his high-profile admirers is established Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, who recently shared his thoughts on the teenager’s future, firmly stating that “Can Play all”: Sarfaraz Khan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to excel across all three formats for India.

The Early Signs of Genius

Sarfaraz Khan, speaking on the sidelines of a recent event in Mumbai, reminisced about his first encounter with the young prodigy. Their paths first crossed in January 2024 during a Ranji Trophy fixture between Mumbai and Bihar. Despite Sooryavanshi being just 12 years and 284 days old—setting a record as one of the youngest players to ever debut in First-Class cricket—Sarfaraz noted that the skill was evident even then. While the debutant’s scores were modest, the raw potential was impossible to ignore.

Mastering the Formats

When asked about the teenager’s ability to transition between the intense pressure of the IPL and the traditional challenges of red-ball cricket, Sarfaraz was unequivocal. He emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s versatility is one of his greatest assets. According to Sarfaraz, the youngster possesses the technical foundation for the longest format and the explosive power required for limited-overs cricket, cementing the belief that he can be an all-format player for the national side.

A Record-Breaking IPL 2026 Season

Sooryavanshi’s performance in the 2026 IPL season has been nothing short of historic. Competing against the world’s best, he finished with a staggering 776 runs in 16 matches, boasting an average of 48.50 and a phenomenal strike rate of 237. His ability to clear the boundary—having struck a record-breaking 72 sixes in a single season—has made him the most feared batter in the league. Even in the final stages of the campaign, where his team fell short against the Gujarat Titans, his individual brilliance shone through with a breathtaking 96 off just 47 balls.

Beyond Talent: The Mindset of a Champion

While the statistics are eye-catching, Sarfaraz Khan believes that what truly separates Sooryavanshi from his peers is his approach to the game. It is not just about natural talent; it is about the hours of preparation that go unseen. Sarfaraz highlighted that the teenager maintains a distinct mindset, characterized by a level of work ethic that is rare for someone of his age. This dedication to his craft is exactly why many experts and senior players are calling for his immediate integration into the Indian setup.

A Resume Built on Excellence

The trajectory of Sooryavanshi’s career has been steep. From his U-19 World Cup heroics, where he hammered 175 off 80 balls against England in the final, to his record-shattering performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—where he struck the fastest List-A 150 in just 59 balls—he has consistently proven he can perform under pressure. His record-holding speed in Youth Test and ODI centuries further underscores his status as a rare talent. As the cricketing fraternity waits to see if an international call-up is imminent for the upcoming tour of England, one thing remains clear: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just a prospect for the future; he is a force to be reckoned with right now.