Iyer’s latest claim rings out: the 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will dominate Indian cricket.
Sooryavanshi, fresh from a gold‑medal haul at the Asian Games, has already tasted the professional grind. Though still a teenager, his wrist‑wielding punches in the under‑19 circuit earned him a place in the senior squad, and the captain sees a glimpse of a future powerhouse.
Iyer says he spends more time with the boy off the field, chatting about music, family, and the day‑to‑day grind. “He’s very silent when we’re off the pitch, but on the bat he’s a force of nature,” the 26‑year‑old skipper told JioStar. The contrast, he notes, builds a deeper bond and sharpens the youngster’s mental edge.
Abhishek Sharma, who shared the Asian Games gold, echoes Iyer’s sentiment. “He’s already used to the rigours of professional cricket—two to three years in the system—so he knows what to work on,” Sharma said. He stresses that senior players must keep Sooryavanshi comfortable in the dressing room, ensuring the spotlight doesn’t overwhelm.
With the West Indies series looming, Iyer is clear: experiment only after securing wins. “If we start mixing line‑ups too early, it shakes confidence,” he said. The five‑match T20I slate will be a test of depth, and the captain wants the team to stay solid while grooming the next generation.
India’s next step? A high‑stakes opener against the West Indies on May 22. The squad will have to blend experience with fresh talent, and all eyes will be on Sooryavanshi’s debut in the thin‑line of the batting order.