Mohammad Kaif urges Ajit Agarkar to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an ODI call-up aft – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Kaif Urges ODI Call-Up After IPL 2026 Heroics
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has unveiled a new cricketing hero in the sensational Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At the tender age of just 15, this Rajasthan Royals teenage prodigy has been playing with an unparalleled fearlessness, consistently breaking records and captivating audiences with his explosive batting. His extraordinary performances have ignited a widespread belief within the global cricket fraternity that Vaibhav is destined to be the next big superstar for Indian cricket.
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Vaibhav’s Eliminator Masterclass Against SRH
On Wednesday, May 27, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered yet another unbelievable performance in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in New Chandigarh. The young phenomenon completely decimated the SRH bowling attack, showcasing his immense power-hitting capabilities. He blazed his way to an astonishing 97 runs off merely 29 balls, an innings that left both bowlers and spectators in awe.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers found themselves utterly clueless against Sooryavanshi’s relentless onslaught. Vaibhav entertained the packed stadium with a barrage of non-stop sixes, dispatched to all corners of the ground. The left-handed batter’s explosive innings included a remarkable 12 towering sixes and five well-struck boundaries. This stunning knock was not just a match-winning effort but also a historic one.
Shattering Chris Gayle’s IPL Six-Hitting Record
During his breathtaking innings, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name into the IPL history books by breaking a long-standing record held by the legendary Chris Gayle. Gayle’s all-time IPL record for the most sixes in a single season, set at 59 maximums in IPL 2012, was emphatically surpassed by the Rajasthan Royals teenager. Vaibhav now stands alone at the top, having smashed an incredible 65 sixes in IPL 2026, a testament to his sheer power and audacity.
Thanks to the left-handed batter’s electrifying performance in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, Rajasthan Royals secured a resounding 47-run victory over SRH. This triumph propelled them into Qualifier 2, where they are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans on May 29. The winner of that crucial encounter will earn a coveted spot in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Mohammad Kaif’s Bold Call for an ODI Debut
Amidst the euphoria surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking season, former India international Mohammad Kaif has made a significant statement regarding the teenager’s future. Kaif, known for his keen cricketing insight, firmly believes that Vaibhav is not just a T20 sensation but is already prepared to play international cricket for India in both the T20I and ODI formats. His conviction stems from the aggressive manner in which Vaibhav attacks bowlers, particularly during the powerplay overs.
Kaif has articulated that Vaibhav’s exceptional six-hitting prowess could become even more lethal and impactful in the ODI format. He highlights that the field restrictions in the initial overs of an ODI innings are perfectly suited for aggressive batters like Sooryavanshi, allowing them ample opportunities to clear the ropes with ease.
Speaking in a recent video, Mohammad Kaif asserted, “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can play two formats right now. ODI and T20. He can play ODI as well. He will also hit a lot of sixes in the first 10 overs in ODIs. So, I am looking at ODI, where 5 fielders are always up. And it doesn’t matter if the fielder is up. He is hitting long sixes.” This direct endorsement from a seasoned cricketer underscores the immense potential Kaif sees in the young batter.
A Change of Perspective from an “Old-School” Cricketer
The veteran cricket pundit also openly admitted that Vaibhav’s astonishing performances have fundamentally altered his traditional views on fast-tracking young talents into the national team. Kaif, who describes himself as an “old-school guy,” elaborated on his past philosophy regarding young players.
Kaif explained, “I am looking at two formats. And I am saying this because I am an old-school guy. When I was coaching or was the captain for the team, I was against giving young players a chance so soon. I said, keep him for a year or two. He will see. He will sit in the dugout. He will learn a bit. But the way Vaibhav is playing, I have to change my thinking and words.” This candid admission speaks volumes about the extraordinary impact Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has had on seasoned cricketing minds.
Fearless Batting Against Elite Bowlers
What has particularly impressed Kaif and many others is Vaibhav’s audacious and fearless approach against some of the world’s most formidable bowlers. The Rajasthan Royals youngster, who has accumulated an impressive 680 runs so far in the season, has fearlessly attacked big names such as Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His unwavering confidence and ability to dominate established international pacers without a hint of trepidation truly set him apart.
Kaif concluded his remarks by emphasizing this very point: “You see, he is not leaving any bowler, whether it is Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, or Bhuvneshwar Kumar.” This highlights Vaibhav’s rare ability to maintain his aggressive intent regardless of the bowler’s reputation or experience.
The compelling arguments put forth by Mohammad Kaif underscore the growing clamour for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be given an opportunity on the international stage. His record-breaking season and fearless demeanor have not only made him a household name in IPL 2026 but also a strong contender for an early national call-up, particularly in the ODI format where his attacking style could prove to be a game-changer for India.
