Ignore his birth certificate: Gavaskar demands Team India’s debut for Sooryavans – Ignore His Age: Sunil Gavaskar Pushes for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India Call-up

A Rising Star in the IPL 2026 Firmament

The landscape of Indian cricket is buzzing with the exploits of a new prodigy. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL 2026 season by storm, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. With over 600 runs under his belt, he has been instrumental in the Rajasthan Royals’ journey to Qualifier 2, where they are set to clash with the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. His most recent masterclass—a blistering 97 runs off just 29 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator—has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike.

Gavaskar’s Bold Call: Talent Over Credentials

Among those thoroughly impressed by the young batter is the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. In a strong endorsement of the teenager’s capabilities, Gavaskar has urged the Indian national selectors to move past the traditional reliance on birth certificates and focus instead on the raw, destructive talent Sooryavanshi displays on the pitch.

Speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar was unequivocal in his assessment: “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 Fearless Approach of Youth

Gavaskar argues that the standard of opposition is irrelevant when a player possesses such natural ability. He pointed out that Sooryavanshi has been dismantling bowlers who are significantly his senior, many of whom have already proven their mettle at the international level. According to the former India captain, the key difference is the lack of fear in the youngster’s mindset.

“Don’t look at his age, as he is hitting fours and sixes against bowlers who are 15 years older than him,” Gavaskar remarked. “Even those who have dominated in international cricket are being sent into the stands. Don’t look at age, but the way he is playing. There is no fear at all in his mind.”

Preserving the Joy of the Game

Reflecting on the psychological evolution of a cricketer, Gavaskar noted how, as players grow older, the focus often shifts toward defensive technique at the expense of natural attacking flair. He emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s success lies in his ability to maintain the mindset of a child who simply wants to strike every ball with intent. He expressed his hope that the young batter never loses this instinct, stating, “The child within his batting style should never grow old. Let that child remain a child because it gives joy.”

Technique Meets Power

Critically, Gavaskar clarified that Sooryavanshi should not be mistaken for a mere “slogger.” There is a distinct difference between mindless hitting and calculated power-hitting, and the youngster leans heavily toward the latter. Gavaskar lauded his technical foundation, highlighting his ability to play with a straight bat as the primary driver of his consistency.

“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.”

The Road Ahead

With the Indian team scheduled to take on England in July, the conversation surrounding the squad selection is intensifying. While the selectors have yet to show concrete interest in the teenager, his performance statistics and the high-profile backing of a legend like Gavaskar make a compelling case. For now, the cricketing world watches on, wondering if the selectors will heed the advice to prioritize current form and fearlessness over conventional selection cycles. Whether he receives the call-up or not, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has firmly established himself as a name to watch for the future of Indian cricket.