Ignore his birth certificate: Gavaskar demands Team India’s debut for Sooryavans – Sunil Gavaskar Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India Call-Up After IPL 2026 Heroics

A New Star Emerges in the IPL

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been defined by the breathtaking performances of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the tournament reaches its business end, with the Rajasthan Royals preparing for a high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash against the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh, one name has dominated the headlines: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Having amassed over 600 runs in the current season, his batting has been nothing short of explosive. His recent masterclass in the Eliminator, where he demolished the Sunrisers Hyderabad attack with a blistering 97 runs off just 29 balls, has left fans and critics alike in awe of his fearless approach to the game.

Gavaskar’s Bold Endorsement

Such dominance has caught the attention of the ultimate authority in Indian cricket, Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary opener has issued a strong message to the national selectors: look past the birth certificate and focus on the talent at hand. According to Gavaskar, Sooryavanshi is not just a talent for the future, but a finished product ready to take on the rigors of international T20 cricket immediately.

Speaking on Sports Tak, Gavaskar was unequivocal in his support. “He is ready for T20 cricket. He is absolutely ready. When the team is picked for the England tour, Vaibhav should be there. He deserves to play for the Indian team, considering his performance. If you don’t give him a chance, then when will you consider him?” the former captain remarked.

Ignoring Age in Favor of Ability

The central pillar of Gavaskar’s argument is the nature of Sooryavanshi’s dominance. He noted that the youngster is consistently dismantling bowlers who are significantly more experienced, often by over a decade. “Don’t look at his age, as he is hitting fours and sixes against bowlers who are 15 years older than him. Even those who have dominated in international cricket are being sent into the stands,” Gavaskar added.

The veteran praised the psychological maturity—or rather, the lack of fear—that Sooryavanshi displays at the crease. While many batters, particularly as they age, become preoccupied with defensive techniques and survival, Sooryavanshi maintains a mindset of pure attack. Gavaskar believes this is his greatest asset: “There is no fear at all in his mind. No fear at all. He attacks from the very first ball, which immediately puts the opposition on the back foot.”

The Art of Hitting vs. Slogging

One of the most insightful parts of Gavaskar’s analysis is the distinction he draws between a “hitter” and a “slogger.” He credits Sooryavanshi’s sustained success to his solid technical foundation, specifically his ability to play with a straight bat. By hitting the ball straight over the bowler’s head, the youngster generates immense power without resorting to wild, high-risk slogging.

“He is a hitter but not a slogger. There is a difference between the two aspects of the game,” Gavaskar explained. “He has a good technique. He plays with a straight bat, which is the reason behind his success.”

Preserving the Joy of the Game

Gavaskar offered a piece of advice to the young batter: maintain the joy of the game. Comparing Sooryavanshi’s mindset to the freedom of playing tennis-ball cricket as a child, he urged the youngster to resist the urge to over-complicate his game as he progresses.

“When we were kids, there was no fear on our minds. When you grow older, the defense becomes a key factor. The child within his batting style should never grow old. Let that child remain a child because it gives joy,” Gavaskar opined. With the Men in Blue scheduled to face England in July, the question remains whether the selectors will heed the advice of the legend. While the current selection committee has been hesitant, the sheer weight of Sooryavanshi’s runs and the endorsement from one of cricket’s greatest minds may soon make him impossible to ignore.