Shreyas Iyer backs teenage talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for future success

India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has offered a glowing assessment of rising batting talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The skipper pointed to the teenager's unique ability to shift gears, noting a stark contrast between his reserved nature off the field and his aggressive, destructive approach once he steps into the middle.

Sooryavanshi has rapidly ascended the ranks of Indian cricket, gaining significant attention following his Rs 1.1 crore acquisition by the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 auction. Since then, the left-hander has showcased his capabilities across various levels, including stints with India’s Under-19 and A teams. Despite a challenging introduction to international cricket against England, he demonstrated his resilience by securing the Player of the Series award during the subsequent campaign against Zimbabwe.

Iyer described the young batter as a charming and quiet individual who brings a positive energy to the dressing room. However, he noted the irony in how that calm demeanour disappears as soon as the match begins. While Sooryavanshi currently finds himself behind established, World Cup-winning openers in the selection pecking order, Iyer remains adamant that the youngster's time will come. He stressed that the current hierarchy is a reflection of the team's existing strength rather than a lack of faith in the teenager’s immense potential.

The young batter’s experience already includes high-pressure environments, having been a member of the Indian squad that secured a gold medal at the Asian Games with a 19-run victory over Pakistan in the final. As the team prepares for the West Indies series, Sooryavanshi continues to work on his development, waiting for his next opportunity to prove his ability to dominate at the international level.