Rahul Dravid candidly evaluates Test future, noting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's limited experience in red-ball cricket.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has emphasized the need for a well-structured development plan for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as he begins to establish himself in various formats of the game. Dravid highlighted the significance of providing Sooryavanshi with ample opportunities in red-ball cricket, in addition to his commitments in white-ball formats.

Sooryavanshi, who had a standout season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and made his T20 International debut in England this past June, is now poised to return to the longer format of the game with the East Zone team in the Duleep Trophy. Despite his impressive performances in white-ball cricket, his first-class statistics remain modest, with an average of 17.25 from 12 innings in the Ranji Trophy Plate League, a record affected by his participation in India’s Under-19 team.

Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi during the IPL 2025 season with the Rajasthan Royals, expressed optimism about the young cricketer's exposure to both formats. “Finding that balance is crucial. It’s fantastic that Vaibhav is gaining experience in white-ball cricket through the IPL, while also having the opportunity to return to red-ball cricket in the domestic circuit to further his development,” Dravid stated in an interview with Cricinfo.

He also underscored the broader importance of nurturing players who can thrive in Test cricket, stating, “We all want to see Test cricket flourish, and it’s essential to have players like him who can potentially excel across all formats.”

As Sooryavanshi prepares for the Duleep Trophy, Dravid believes that consistent exposure to red-ball cricket is vital for the teenager, especially since he has played significantly more white-ball cricket. “It’s beneficial for him to take his time and gain experience. He will have the chance to play more red-ball matches, which is crucial for his growth,” Dravid remarked.

With Sooryavanshi's rapid ascent in the cricketing world, expectations are understandably high. However, Dravid urged fans and critics alike to exercise patience as the young talent navigates the challenges of his burgeoning career. “At just 15, it’s important to allow him the time to develop. He has achieved remarkable success early on, but he will face ups and downs, and it’s essential for everyone to be patient with him,” Dravid concluded.