Sangakkara on Sooryavanshi: ‘I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soo – Kumar Sangakkara Backs 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for International Call-Up

The Rise of a Teenage Sensation

In the high-pressure cauldron of the Indian Premier League, few players manage to stand out. Even fewer do so at the age of 15. However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has done exactly that, captivating cricket fans and experts alike with a breakout season that has drawn high praise from Rajasthan Royals head coach, Kumar Sangakkara. Following the conclusion of the Royals’ campaign, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman expressed his firm belief that the teenage prodigy is ready to take the leap into international cricket.

An Explosive Season

The statistics behind Sooryavanshi’s performance in IPL 2026 are nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of 16 innings, the youngster amassed a staggering 776 runs. Perhaps more impressive was the manner in which he scored them; with a strike rate of 237.30, he played with a brand of fearlessness that is rare even among seasoned veterans. Notably, 684 of those runs came purely from boundaries, underlining his ability to find the fence with alarming frequency.

Sangakkara, who has seen many great players in his illustrious career, noted that Sooryavanshi’s mental fortitude is just as impressive as his stroke play. Following the Royals’ defeat to the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, the coach was quick to highlight the maturity the youngster displayed on the pitch. According to Sangakkara, facing some of the world’s most feared bowlers has not fazed the teenager, suggesting he is equipped to handle the stresses of the international game.

Composure Under Fire

One particular moment in the playoffs served as a testament to the youngster’s character. On a tricky, two-paced track in New Chandigarh, the Gujarat Titans unleashed a barrage of short-pitched deliveries designed to unsettle the young opener. While many players might have buckled under the intensity, Sooryavanshi problem-solved his way to a brilliant 96 off just 47 balls, anchoring the innings while wickets tumbled around him. This display of clarity and composure confirmed to the team management that his temperament matches his technical skill.

Sangakkara revealed that the Royals’ strategy for managing such a young talent is simple: keep it clear and clutter-free. By allowing the youngster to contribute to team meetings and perform his own tactical research, the management has encouraged him to develop his own rhythm. The goal has been to avoid over-coaching, allowing his natural instincts to flourish under pressure.

A Defining Season for the Royals

While the spotlight remains firmly on Sooryavanshi, the 2026 season was a significant one for the Rajasthan Royals as a collective. Faced with adversity, including a season-long injury to Sam Curran and the physical challenges faced by captain Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja, the team showed remarkable resilience. Sangakkara highlighted the contributions of rookie bowlers like Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja, who seamlessly transitioned into the IPL setup.

The coach expressed deep pride in the squad’s journey, noting that moving from their ninth-place finish in the previous season to reaching the playoffs is a major achievement. He lauded the contributions of senior players and newcomers alike, noting the impact of Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Jofra Archer, and Shubham Dubey. Despite falling short of the final, the progress made by this group suggests a bright future.

Leadership and Future Outlook

Reflecting on Riyan Parag’s first full season as captain, Sangakkara was highly complimentary. He felt that Parag managed the team and on-field tactical decisions with great intelligence, and expects the young leader to continue his upward trajectory in the coming years. Despite starting the season as underdogs who many did not expect to qualify, the Royals’ journey has proven that hard work, combined with a genuine enjoyment of the game, can produce special results. As the dust settles on the 2026 season, the focus for many will inevitably turn to when the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will receive that coveted international call-up, a prospect that Sangakkara feels is just around the corner.