Despite intense competition at the top of the batting order, former India spinner Murali Kartik has backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to secure a regular spot in India’s Twenty20 International team. Even though Sooryavanshi is currently behind two well-established openers and a number three who can also double up at the top, Kartik is still optimistic that the young player’s time will come.
Murali Kartik has backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to secure a regular spot in India’s Twenty20 International team
Even though regular opportunities at the top of the order are still scarce, Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India’s 16-man squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning on October 22, 2026, shows that selectors still see him as a part of the team’s plans.Essentially, I am attempting to convey that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a cautious talent.
Due to the presence of two openers and a number three who has performed remarkably well and who can also serve as an opener if necessary, he is merely waiting in the wings. You have a right-left combination and the top two batters in T20 internationals at the moment. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is an exciting talent, so he will get his chance. In response to CricTracker’s question during a conversation facilitated by Sony Sports Network, Kartik stated, “He’s got a wonderful future to go ahead, so it’s just a question of biding your time sometimes.”
Similar advice has been given by India captain Shreyas Iyer, who has urged Sooryavanshi to be patient while pointing to the reliable performances of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the starting pair.
On July 4, 2026, Sooryavanshi, then 15 years and 71 days old, made his T20I debut against England, making him the youngest Indian to do so. He has played eight Twenty20 International matches as of October 3, 2026, and has amassed 246 runs at an average of 30.75. This return highlights his capacity to contribute at the highest level despite few and frequently inconsistent opportunities.
Particularly impressive was his second Twenty20 International series, which took place against Zimbabwe from July 23 to July 26, 2026. In that series, Sooryavanshi amassed 151 runs and won Player of the Series, demonstrating his capacity to play at an international level despite his advanced age. That award proved that the teenager can control opposition attacks and have a significant impact on outcomes if given a run of games.
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Sooryavanshi had already made a big impact in domestic cricket before making his T20I debut. His 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 Indian Premier League earned him the title of Most Valuable Player of the competition, hastening his entry into the national team and establishing him as one of India’s most promising batting prospects.
He faced top-tier international bowling throughout the IPL season, showcasing his capacity to withstand pressure at the pinnacle of franchise cricket. That performance led directly to his selection for the England T20I series, and his subsequent inclusion in India squads shows the selectors’ ongoing faith in his abilities.
Sooryavanshi has made a strong case for a regular spot with his IPL record, Player of the Series title against Zimbabwe, and inclusion in the New Zealand T20I team. Kartik’s evaluation is consistent with a more general belief that the adolescent’s talent is not in doubt, but rather the timing of his opportunities.
