15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fulfils dream, dons India jersey for first time
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, was officially unveiled in the Indian cricket team jersey for the first time on Tuesday, in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The left-handed batsman has been named in India's T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games in September. He is now on the verge of becoming the youngest male cricketer to represent India, potentially breaking Sachin Tendulkar's 37-year-old record.
Sooryavanshi made his senior cricket debut at the age of 13, a rapid ascent that has seen him dominate in domestic and age-group cricket. In his first India A tour, he scored a 29-ball 94 in the Tri-Nation series final against Sri Lanka A, recording the fastest List A half-century in the process. Earlier this year, he scored 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England, leading India to victory. He also played a key role for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, scoring 97 in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Reflecting on the moment he put on the India jersey, Sooryavanshi said: 'Words cannot explain it. The reason I picked up the bat from day one... that dream has now been fulfilled. The biggest step in that journey was completed today.' He added: 'It felt like a dream when I saw that T-shirt. I couldn't stop smiling.'
Sooryavanshi was included in the squad at the age of 15 years and 79 days. The current record for the youngest India debutant is held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989. If selected to play, Sooryavanshi would become the youngest male international cricketer from India, surpassing that long-standing record. However, his actual debut will depend on team selection and match conditions during the tour.
The BCCI captioned the video: 'Ladies & Gentlemen, the moment the nation has been waiting for has arrived! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in #TeamIndia jersey.' The tour begins with the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast on Friday. Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the squad has drawn significant attention due to his age and rapid rise through the ranks, but the young cricketer remains focused on the opportunity ahead.
