New Delhi, June 8:
Former India captain Kapil Dev has described teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi as a “special talent” but cautioned against placing excessive expectations on the youngster at such an early stage of his career.
The 15-year-old left-handed opener recently earned his maiden call-up to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as the 2026 Asian Games. At just 15 years and 71 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player ever selected for India’s senior men’s team, surpassing a 36-year-old record held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Speaking about the young prodigy, Kapil Dev praised his remarkable talent and performances but stressed the importance of allowing him to develop without undue pressure.
“I think he is a special talent, but he has to go a long way. There is no doubt that at such a young age, the way he has performed in cricket shows his ability. He just needs to focus on himself because he has a long journey ahead. At the moment, I think we are putting too much pressure on him,” Kapil Dev said.
If Suryavanshi gets an opportunity during the upcoming tour, he will become the youngest player to make his debut for India in men’s international cricket, eclipsing Tendulkar’s record. Tendulkar made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16 years and 205 days.
Suryavanshi’s selection comes after a sensational IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Opening the batting, he won the Orange Cap after amassing 776 runs in 16 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30.
His remarkable campaign featured one century, five half-centuries, and a record 72 sixes, making him one of the most destructive batters of the season.
Kapil Dev also acknowledged the growing influence of the Indian Premier League on national team selections.
“Definitely, IPL is the most important tournament in the world. Selectors closely watch performances and assess which players can fit into the team at the right place. It gives them more options when selecting the national side,” he said.
Before joining the senior Indian squad for the Ireland series, Suryavanshi is set to represent India A in the tri-series in Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held from June 9 to June 21.
With his fearless batting, record-breaking IPL season, and historic national team call-up, all eyes will now be on the young opener as he prepares for the next chapter of his rapidly rising cricket career.
