The rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been one of the biggest cricket stories of 2026. Just weeks after lighting up the Indian Premier League with record-breaking performances, the 15-year-old batter has earned his first call-up to India’s senior T20 squads, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the Indian men’s national team.
The teenager’s selection comes after a sensational IPL season with Rajasthan Royals, where he smashed records, won multiple awards, and established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
Who is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a left-handed batter from Bihar who has rapidly progressed through Indian cricket’s ranks. He first attracted national attention after becoming one of the youngest players to feature in domestic cricket and later became the youngest player to earn an IPL contract when Rajasthan Royals signed him ahead of the 2025 season. Known for his fearless strokeplay and ability to score quickly, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been regarded as one of India’s brightest young prospects for several years.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earns maiden India T20I squad spot!
The Board of Control for Cricket in India named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India’s squads for the upcoming T20 assignments, including the tours of Ireland and England and the 2026 Asian Games. The selection means he could soon become the youngest player ever to represent India’s senior men’s team. Selectors rewarded his outstanding IPL form and his ability to perform under pressure against some of the world’s best bowlers.
A record-breaking IPL 2026 season
IPL 2026 transformed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from a promising youngster into a household name. During the season, he:
- Scored 680 runs
- Won the Orange Cap
- Hit a record 65 sixes in a single IPL season
- Became the youngest men’s T20 centurion
- Smashed the fastest IPL century by an Indian in just 35 balls
- Won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award
- Won the Emerging Player of the Season award
- Recorded the highest strike rate ever for a 500+ run IPL season
His performances helped Rajasthan Royals reach the playoffs and earned praise from former players and cricket experts around the world.
Also read: Five Awards, One Star: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 Triumph
Shreyas Iyer named new captain
Alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, Indian cricket also witnessed a major leadership change. The BCCI appointed Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma was named vice-captain. The decision follows Shreyas Iyer’s strong performances in domestic and franchise cricket and marks the beginning of a new era for India’s T20 side.
Also read: All About Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Early Life, Cricket Career & Records
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