Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s exceptional batting ability has already prompted comparisons with some of India’s greatest batters. However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes the teenager will need more than natural talent to realise his potential. He has urged Sooryavanshi to take inspiration from Virat Kohli and learn to channel his energy into cricket.
Speaking on Prakhar Gupta’s YouTube channel, Harbhajan praised the 15-year-old’s ability but emphasised the importance of discipline and setting clear priorities. He believes Kohli’s approach from an early age could provide Sooryavanshi with a useful example as he progresses through his career.
Harbhajan said Kohli should be Sooryavanshi’s role model, encouraging him to learn from players such as Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble. According to the former spinner, these cricketers devoted their energy to the game without allowing other distractions to affect their focus. He stressed that Sooryavanshi must understand his priorities if he is to achieve what his talent promises.
Harbhajan also compared the youngster with Tendulkar, highlighting his remarkable hitting ability at such a young age. However, he cautioned that talent alone would not guarantee success.
He described Sooryavanshi as an extraordinary player whose career he was eager to follow. Harbhajan said the teenager possessed qualities reminiscent of Tendulkar during his teenage years and added that he had rarely seen such impressive hitting ability at that age. He also praised the youngster’s exceptional clarity of vision.
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Sooryavanshi’s performances in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments have strengthened the case for his selection, but securing a place in India’s established T20I top order has proved more difficult.
He made his senior international debut against England in July 2026, scoring 42 runs across three matches.
The youngster subsequently made a stronger impression during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, accumulating 151 runs at a strike rate of 196.10. Despite that performance, he was left out of India’s three T20Is against Afghanistan, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson preferred as openers.
India coach Gautam Gambhir explained that the decision reflected the team’s preference for backing established performers rather than any doubts about Sooryavanshi’s ability. He said the teenager would have to wait for his opportunity, as players with a longer record of consistent performances would continue to have an advantage in the selection process.
Sooryavanshi remained on the sidelines during the five-match T20I series against the West Indies as well.
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Sooryavanshi’s record helps explain the excitement surrounding his future. At the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, he scored 439 runs in seven matches, including a remarkable 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.
His next challenge is to reproduce that impact in senior international cricket, where competition for places is considerably stronger.
Kohli’s career provides an example of how exceptional ability can be complemented by discipline and consistency over time. Harbhajan also identified Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble as players Sooryavanshi could learn from, pointing to their dedication to cricket and their ability to avoid distractions.
Sooryavanshi is still in the early stages of his career. Harbhajan’s message is not to expect him to become a finished product immediately, but to ensure that his extraordinary talent is supported by the discipline, habits and priorities required for long-term success.
