"I personally think Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play Test cricket": Ravichandran Ashwin
New Delhi, June 5
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play Test cricket.
The 15-year-old has announced his arrival in competitive cricket by making 776 runs in IPL 2026 for Rajasthan Royals and winning the Orange Cap.
Ashwin was honoured among the 25 'Greatest Men's International Cricketers of the 21st Century' at the Cricinfo Honours Awards 2026.
During the event, the veteran all-rounder spoke about his opinion on Sooryavanshi pursuing Test cricket.
"I personally think he should play Test cricket. If you're thinking about the larger good of the game, then I believe he should. But that said, can you teach your children what they are not willing to learn? You simply can't. I think the ecosystem is driving these things, and sometimes, when the game tells you what needs to be done, it's better to follow what it's telling you," said Ashwin.
He added, "You cannot force a particular facet of the game. Yes, Test cricket is the pinnacle, but I've been involved in grassroots coaching for a long time, and I don't see young cricketers turning up wanting to play red-ball cricket. They defend a couple of balls and immediately want to learn the shots that will get them out of trouble."
During the event, Ashwin was ranked 25th in the list of the greatest men's international cricketers of the 21st century.
Ashwin finished his international cricket career in December 2024 with 765 scalps across formats - second-highest for India, only behind Anil Kumble (953). His tally of 537 wickets for India in Test cricket is also second only to Anil Kumble (619).
Ashwin remains the only player in Test history to have claimed more than five Test hundreds (6) to go along with 500 wickets to his name. He is only behind Ian Botham (5) in the tally of nabbing a Test century and five-for in the same Test, having done so four times.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ashwin makes a great point about the ecosystem driving young players towards T20s. As a parent, I see my own kids only wanting to watch IPL and not sit through a whole Test match. But Test cricket is where legends are made! I hope Sooryavanshi takes the red-ball challenge. 🙏
I get Ashwin's perspective, but forcing a kid into Tests too early might ruin his natural game. Let him enjoy his success in T20s first. Test cricket is brutally demanding mentally and physically. At 15, he should focus on enjoying cricket, not worrying about formats.
Respectfully disagree with Ashwin here. Test cricket is dying in India, bhai. Even our senior players avoid it. Why put pressure on a 15-year-old? Let him earn crores in IPL, secure his family's future. BCCI is anyway not promoting red-ball cricket enough, so why blame young players? 🤷♂️
Ashwin's career is a testament to Test cricket greatness. But the reality is, the game has evolved. The IPL money is life-changing for these kids. Let the boy make his choice—if he's truly special, he'll play Tests someday. No need to rush him. Time will tell.
What Ashwin said about kids not willing to learn red-ball cricket is so true! I've seen it in our local cricket camps—everyone wants to be a finisher or a power-hitter. Nobody wants to defend for hours. But Test cricket builds character. Ashwin is
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.