Mohammad Kaif urges Ajit Agarkar to hand Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an ODI call-up aft – Mohammad Kaif Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India ODI Call-Up After IPL Heroics
A New Star Emerges in the IPL 2026
The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League has served as the ultimate stage for the next generation of cricketing talent, and none have shone brighter than 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the teenage left-hander has taken the league by storm, displaying a level of maturity and fearlessness that defies his age. As the tournament progresses into its final stages, the chatter surrounding Sooryavanshi has moved from ‘promising youngster’ to ‘national team prospect.’
A Historic Performance in the Eliminator
The intensity of the IPL reached its peak on Wednesday, May 27, during the Eliminator match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a high-pressure environment in New Chandigarh, Sooryavanshi produced an innings for the ages. Scoring an incredible 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, he dismantled the SRH bowling lineup with clinical precision. His tally included 12 towering sixes and five boundaries, leaving opposition bowlers searching for answers that simply did not exist.
This performance was not merely a display of raw power; it was a record-breaking spectacle. With this knock, Sooryavanshi surpassed Chris Gayle’s legendary record of 59 sixes in a single IPL season, established back in 2012. The youngster now sits at 65 sixes for the season, a testament to his ability to clear the ropes at will. His performance propelled the Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run victory and secured their spot in Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans.
Mohammad Kaif Advocates for International Selection
The impact of Sooryavanshi’s batting has reached the ears of experts and former players alike. Former Indian international Mohammad Kaif has been particularly vocal in his admiration, going as far as to urge the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to fast-track the teenager into the national side. Kaif argues that Sooryavanshi’s skill set is not limited to the shortest format but is perfectly suited for the One Day International (ODI) arena as well.
In a recent discussion regarding the youngster’s future, Kaif noted, “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can play two formats right now. ODI and T20. He can play ODI as well. He will also hit a lot of sixes in the first 10 overs in ODIs. So, I am looking at ODI, where 5 fielders are always up. And it doesn’t matter if the fielder is up. He is hitting long sixes.”
Changing Old-School Perspectives
For Kaif, a self-proclaimed ‘old-school’ cricketer, the evolution of the game is best exemplified by Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach. Reflecting on his own past philosophies, Kaif admitted that he previously believed in a ‘slow and steady’ integration for young players, often preferring them to spend time in the dugout to learn the ropes. However, the sheer talent displayed by the Rajasthan Royals star has forced him to reconsider his stance.
“The way Vaibhav is playing, I have to change my thinking and words,” Kaif remarked. The teenager’s ability to remain unfazed against the world’s elite bowlers—including Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar—has been the defining characteristic of his season. With 680 runs already under his belt in IPL 2026, he has proven that his fearless approach works against the very best in the business.
What Lies Ahead for the Prodigy
As Rajasthan Royals prepare to face the Gujarat Titans on May 29 for a chance to challenge RCB in the final, all eyes will remain on the young left-hander. Whether or not the national selectors decide to heed the advice of legends like Mohammad Kaif remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has firmly established himself as a player to watch, and his meteoric rise is currently the most exciting narrative in Indian cricket.
