Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's remarkable emergence has led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt a long-term approach toward his development, with secretary Devajit Saikia stressing that the 15-year-old needs to be groomed for sustained success. The board hopes the teenage star can follow in the footsteps of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and establish a long and successful international career.
Sooryavanshi's future was discussed during the BCCI's high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Speaking after the meeting, Saikia said the youngster was being monitored closely, while his availability for the Duleep Trophy final would depend on India head coach Gautam Gambhir's decision.
“We want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or any player of his stature to continue and serve like Sachin Tendulkar did for the country or other players who in the past became legends,” Saikia said.
He added that the BCCI was taking Sooryavanshi's development very seriously and was keeping track of his progress at every stage of his international career.
The board, Saikia stressed, is more focused on safeguarding the youngster's long-term potential than seeking immediate returns.
“We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one series or one year wonder,” he said.
The teenager has already experienced the rewards and pressures of his rapid rise. Following an outstanding IPL 2026 season, Sooryavanshi became India's youngest men's international debutant. His opening T20I series against England proved challenging, but he bounced back strongly by scoring 151 runs across three matches against Zimbabwe.
FROM IPL STAR TO DULEEP TROPHY RECORD
Sooryavanshi has continued to impress in domestic cricket. He struck 92 off 81 deliveries in the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone, becoming the youngest batter in the tournament's history to score a half-century. He then contributed a quickfire 40 in the second innings as East Zone booked their place in the final.
His participation in the final, however, will depend on Gambhir's decision. East Zone are scheduled to take on South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 6. KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj have been named for South Zone, while Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan will reportedly need Gambhir's approval to take part.
BCCI KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON NEXT GENERATION
Saikia also revealed that the BCCI's focus extends beyond Sooryavanshi, with around 10-15 promising young players forming part of a specially monitored group at the board's Centre of Excellence. VVS Laxman is involved in overseeing their training and skill development.
“We are looking at all the players, not only Vaibhav's relevance, but there are about 10–15 players who are in our targeted group,” Saikia said.
He added that the youngsters are being regularly monitored by COE head VVS Laxman, who is taking a keen interest in their development, training and future prospects.
Sooryavanshi is currently part of India's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, which begins on September 13. He is also set to travel with India's Asian Games squad, which will be coached by VVS Laxman.
