Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Sehwag backs Sooryavanshi as Banerjee urges red-ball development
Virender Sehwag says young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for more chances to play for India.
Sooryavanshi is 15 and has scored quickly in his T20 international matches.
Sehwag says age should matter less than performance once someone plays at the highest level.
He sees a similar first-ball attacking style in Sooryavanshi and himself.
Former India bowler Subroto Banerjee agrees that Sooryavanshi is suited to T20 cricket, but says he should also learn to play longer red-ball matches.
Sooryavanshi has been selected for recent T20I squads, though he sat out the West Indies T20Is described in one report.
Sehwag also praised captain Shubman Gill’s batting.
He believes strong bowling could help India win the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Virender Sehwag said 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is in his prime and should get opportunities to play many matches for India.
Sehwag said performance matters more than age once players compete in the IPL or for India.
Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at a strike rate of 186 and has been selected in recent T20I squads.
Former India pacer Subroto Banerjee said Sooryavanshi’s game suits T20 cricket but recommended developing his red-ball skills in domestic cricket.
Sehwag praised Shubman Gill’s batting and said a strong bowling attack, including Jasprit Bumrah, could help India win the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Who
- Virender Sehwag discussed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while former India pacer Subroto Banerjee also commented on the young batter’s development.
- What
- Sehwag backed Sooryavanshi for more opportunities with India; Banerjee urged that he also be developed in domestic red-ball cricket.
- When
- Sehwag spoke at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual session on a Saturday; one report is dated October 10 but does not specify the year.
- Where
- The discussion took place at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual session in New Delhi.
- Why
- Sehwag said performance should matter more than age at top level, while Banerjee said Sooryavanshi’s T20 strengths should be complemented by red-ball development.
Sehwag’s emphasis
Banerjee’s emphasis
Sooryavanshi’s development
Sehwag’s emphasis
Sehwag said age should not be a concern once a player is competing at the top level and that Sooryavanshi should receive opportunities based on performance.
Banerjee’s emphasis
Banerjee said Sooryavanshi is suited to T20 cricket but should also be groomed in domestic red-ball cricket.
- Sooryavanshi’s age
- 15
- Sooryavanshi’s T20I record
- 246 runs in eight T20Is; strike rate of 186
- Sehwag’s comparison
- He said Sooryavanshi’s instinct to attack from the first ball is similar to his own.
- Banerjee’s recommendation
- Keep Sooryavanshi in the T20 setup while grooming him in domestic red-ball cricket.
- Shubman Gill’s ODI innings
- 223 runs off 133 balls against the West Indies in the second ODI at Guwahati on September 30.
- India’s 2027 ODI World Cup prospects
- Sehwag said a strong bowling attack, including Jasprit Bumrah, could help India win.
