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IPL's 15-Year-Old Sensation Sooryavanshi Could Be India's Youngest Debutant

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has highlighted 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a potential candidate to become India's youngest-ever international debutant, calling him a unique talent. Sooryavanshi has impressed with explosive batting, including two 15-ball fifties this season and taking on star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. While Dhumal clarified he is not advocating for an immediate call-up, he emphasized the rare opportunity the teenager presents for national selectors. The young batter currently leads the IPL in sixes and boasts a staggering strike rate of 266.66.

Key Points: IPL Prodigy Sooryavanshi: India's Youngest Debutant?

  • 15-year-old batting prodigy
  • Potential youngest India debutant
  • Smashed 15-ball fifties
  • Took on Jasprit Bumrah
  • Leads IPL six-hitting charts
2 min read

'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for selectors': IPL chief Dhumal feels Sooravanshi has potential to become India's youngest-ever debutant

IPL chief Arun Dhumal calls 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for selectors with potential to be India's youngest debutant.

"this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the selectors - Arun Dhumal"

New Delhi, April 12

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has heaped praise on 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying that the teenager has the potential to become India's youngest-ever international debutant. However, he clarified that he is not advocating for an immediate call-up, even as he termed the youngster a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for selectors.

Sooryavanshi, who made headlines by becoming the youngest player ever signed in an IPL auction last year, was once again at his explosive best, racing to a 15-ball fifty before finishing with a breathtaking 78 off just 26 deliveries against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

Dhumal noted that while the senior national team is currently spoiled for choice for the opening slot, considering the talents like Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson, the 15-year-old batter represents a unique case.

"I know there isn't really a slot available in the opening position right now, considering the kind of talent we have - players like Abhishek, Jaiswal, and Sanju are all performing very well. But at just 15 years of age, I personally feel he (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi) has the potential to become the youngest debutant for India. I'm not pushing for his inclusion, but this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the selectors to consider picking such a young talent," Dhumal told IANS.

Earlier, Sooryavanshi had also taken on India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for two sixes in an over - including one off the very first ball he faced - during RR's victory over the Mumbai Indians.

Sooryavanshi's fifty against RCB was his second of the season, having also struck a 15-ball half century in RR's season opener against Chennai Super Kings. Both his half-centuries this season came in just 15 balls, making them joint-third fastest fifties in IPL history. He also leads the six-hitting charts with 18 maximums and boasts the best strike rate of 266.66 in the campaign.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, this is so exciting! A 15-year-old with that strike rate? He's a generational talent. Dhumal is right, it's a unique opportunity for selectors. Maybe a T20 debut in a less pressurized series could be a good start? The future looks bright!
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Arjun K
Respectfully, I disagree with the hype. We have Jaiswal and Abhishek performing brilliantly. Where will we play him? Let the boy enjoy his cricket without this massive weight of expectation. School, Under-19, Ranji Trophy... there's a proper path for a reason. Let's not put the cart before the horse.
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Priya S
Wow! 78 off 26 balls! That's just pure entertainment. The confidence to hit Bumrah for a six first ball... chapeau! But his family and coaches must protect him from the media frenzy. Talent is one thing, handling fame at 15 is another. All the best to Vaibhav! 🤩
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Karthik V
Dhumal's words are measured and correct. He's not asking for a call-up, just highlighting potential. The selectors should definitely keep a very close eye on him. Maybe include him in the India A setup or emerging tours? We need to nurture this carefully, not ignore it.
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Michael C
The stats are mind-blowing. Strike rate of 266? Leading six-hitter? At FIFTEEN? This is like discovering a Sachin or a Kohli early. The BCCI has a great system now, I trust they'll manage his development perfectly

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