Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is as good as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli: Kapil Dev’s Bold Claim has captured the attention of the cricket world. As India prepares for the second T20I against England at Old Trafford, focus remains on the 15-year-old batting sensation. Though included in India’s T20I squads for series against Ireland and England after a record-breaking IPL season, Sooryavanshi has yet to make his international debut.
Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, told Sports Tak that while Sooryavanshi is exceptionally talented, he urged caution. I haven’t seen him play much. He is a huge talent, but we are talking too big about him. Give him some time, Kapil said. However, he compared the youngster’s raw ability to legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in T20 cricket, adding he must prove himself in longer formats.
Drawing parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s early debut, Kapil Dev emphasized ability over age. Don’t count his age, count his ability, he stated. Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 for Rajasthan Royals, nearly earning them a playoff spot. Despite fan calls for his debut after India’s T20I defeat to Ireland, he remained on the bench during the rain-hit first match against England.
All attention now turns to the second T20I. Kapil’s bold claim that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is as good as Sachin and Virat in talent, but needs time, highlights a balanced view. With the series level, whether the youngster finally plays will shape the narrative of India’s T20I campaign.