Former India opening batter
Sehwag, who retired with 17,253 international runs to his name, noted that Sooryavanshi’s intent to attack from the very first delivery mirrors his own philosophy at the crease. Speaking at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual session, the legendary opener emphasized that the youngster is currently in his prime and should be provided with consistent opportunities to develop his career at the highest level.
Prioritizing Performance Over Age
Addressing the discourse surrounding the teenager's youth, Sehwag dismissed the relevance of age once a player reaches the senior international stage. He argued that while age restrictions are necessary for youth-level competitions like the Under-19 circuit, the criteria for selection in the IPL or the national team should be based strictly on merit and output.
Sehwag pointed to the current landscape of Indian cricket, where players like Virat Kohli continue to compete at the highest level well into their late thirties, as evidence that age is secondary to form. He maintained that if a 15-year-old is capable of performing at the senior level, they deserve the same consideration as their more experienced counterparts.
Competition and Future Outlook
Sooryavanshi currently faces stiff competition for a spot in the Indian side, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma having established themselves as the preferred opening pair in recent T20I fixtures. Former India all-rounder Robin Singh echoed the sentiment that while the youngster possesses significant talent, he must remain patient as he waits for his next opportunity.
Singh noted that the current depth in the squad is a positive development, as it forces established players to maintain high standards. Meanwhile, looking toward the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Sehwag expressed confidence in India’s prospects. He highlighted the importance of the bowling unit, specifically identifying Jasprit Bumrah as the leader of the attack, and suggested that a strong bowling performance would be the key factor in securing a tournament victory.
