Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-up After Stellar IPL 2026

A Star is Born: Sooryavanshi’s Meteoric Rise

In the high-pressure crucible of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to capture the imagination of the cricketing world as quickly as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After watching the teenager produce one of the most prolific campaigns in recent memory, Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara has issued a resounding endorsement of the youngster’s readiness for international cricket.

Sooryavanshi was a revelation during the 2026 IPL season, accumulating a staggering 776 runs across 16 innings. Perhaps most impressively, he maintained a blistering strike rate of 237.30, with a remarkable 684 of those runs coming from boundaries alone. This combination of power-hitting and consistency has left even the most seasoned observers in awe.

Sangakkara’s High Praise

Speaking after the Rajasthan Royals’ loss to the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, Sangakkara highlighted the teenager’s unique temperament. ‘With everything Vaibhav’s shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him,’ the legendary former Sri Lankan captain stated. ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soon. He’s batted with a lot of maturity, he has shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership so well for us this season.’

The validation from a coach of Sangakkara’s stature carries immense weight. He emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s success is not merely a product of talent, but of diligent preparation. ‘We don’t clutter his mind too much. He comes to all our team meetings, he contributes, he listens, and he does a lot of homework. He practices well and he reads bowlers well, he watches their videos and prepares himself really well.’

Proving Mettle Under Pressure

The true measure of a young cricketer is how they respond when the game is on the line. In the crucial Qualifier 2 match against Gujarat, Sooryavanshi faced a brutal barrage of short-pitched deliveries on a tricky, two-paced track in New Chandigarh. Despite wickets falling at the other end, he showcased exceptional problem-solving skills, constructing a valiant 96 off just 47 deliveries. This ability to maintain clarity under extreme pressure is exactly what separates international-grade talents from the rest of the pack.

A Season of Resilience for Rajasthan Royals

The 2026 season was far from a straightforward journey for the Rajasthan Royals. The team navigated significant adversity, including the loss of star all-rounder Sam Curran for the entire campaign due to injury. Furthermore, key figures like captain Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja dealt with their own fitness concerns as the tournament progressed.

Sangakkara took time to credit the depth of his squad, particularly the transition of rookie bowlers Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja. ‘I think everyone should be extremely proud of themselves,’ Sangakkara reflected. ‘From where we were last season to have got here, dragging ourselves here is a great sign. I think there’s a lot more in the tank for these players.’

Looking Ahead: Leadership and Growth

The Royals’ season was also marked by the growth of Riyan Parag in his first full season as captain. Sangakkara expressed satisfaction with how Parag handled the tactical demands of the role. ‘I thought Riyan’s first season as captain was excellent. He really managed his team well… He will grow and learn, so will the other players, and we will just come back better.’

Despite falling short of the final, the sentiment within the Rajasthan camp remains one of immense pride. The team proved that with hard work and a positive approach, they could overcome pre-tournament skepticism to reach the business end of the competition. For fans and analysts alike, the emergence of Sooryavanshi serves as the most exciting chapter in this developmental story, with the cricketing world now waiting to see just how soon the selectors pull the trigger on his international debut.