Ashwin Backs 15-Year-Old Sooryavanshi for India's Future Across All Formats

Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can represent India across all three formats, citing his aggressive batting and entertainment value. Ashwin made the remarks during the JioHotstar broadcast following Rajasthan Royals' 77-run loss to Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on Saturday.

Sooryavanshi has emerged as the standout performer of IPL 2026, scoring 440 runs in 11 matches at an average of 40.00 and a strike rate of 236.56, making him Rajasthan Royals' top run-scorer. He notched the second-fastest IPL century by an Indian batter with 103 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and became the fastest to 400 runs in a season, reaching the mark in 167 balls.

The teenager holds the record for most sixes in powerplays this season with 32 and became the youngest and fastest Indian to hit 100 T20 sixes, achieving the feat in 514 deliveries. In his latest innings, he scored 36 off 16 balls against Gujarat Titans, including a six off the first ball he faced.

Ashwin described Sooryavanshi as a 'box-office player' and urged minimal interference in his development, emphasizing his natural confidence and ability to engage audiences. 'I wouldn't mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn't mind watching him in all three formats of the game,' Ashwin said. 'He is going to entertain you.'

Sooryavanshi will continue his IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals, with national selectors expected to monitor his progress closely in the coming weeks.