BCCI Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sets Sights on Sachin Tendulkar-Like Career

BCCI Plans Long-Term Roadmap for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Wants Teen Star to Emulate Sachin Tendulkar

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary rise has prompted the BCCI to take a carefully planned, long-term approach to the teenager’s career, with the board keen to ensure that his early success develops into a lasting international journey.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is closely monitoring the 15-year-old and wants him to establish himself in Indian cricket for years to come rather than become a short-term sensation.

Sooryavanshi’s development was discussed during the BCCI’s high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Saikia said the youngster is being monitored at every stage, while his availability for the Duleep Trophy final will be decided by India head coach Gautam Gambhir.

“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.

The BCCI secretary stressed that the board does not want to rush the youngster or focus solely on immediate performances. Instead, the priority is to make sure he takes the right steps throughout his development.

“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,” Saikia added.

SOORYAVANSHI CONTINUES TO MAKE HISTORY

The teenager has already enjoyed a remarkable journey from domestic cricket to the IPL and international cricket.

After making a huge impact during IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi became India’s youngest-ever men’s international debutant. His first T20I series against England was a difficult one, but he responded strongly against Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in three matches.

His performances in the Duleep Trophy have further underlined his potential. Sooryavanshi scored 92 off 81 balls against Central Zone in the semi-final, becoming the youngest batter in the competition’s history to record a half-century. He then produced a rapid 40 in the second innings to help East Zone book their place in the final.

His appearance in the title clash, however, is not yet certain. East Zone will take on South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 6. KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj have been asked to represent South Zone, while Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan are reportedly awaiting Gambhir’s approval to play.

BCCI MONITORING GROUP OF YOUNG TALENTS

Saikia also revealed that the BCCI is closely tracking a wider group of emerging cricketers as part of its long-term development programme.

Around 10-15 youngsters have been identified as members of a targeted group being monitored through the BCCI Centre of Excellence. VVS Laxman, who heads the COE, is closely involved in 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.

“They are constantly monitored by our COE head, VVS Laxman, who is taking keen interest in their future and their training and skill development.”

Sooryavanshi is currently part of India’s T20I squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan, which begins on September 13. He is also set to be part of India’s Asian Games squad, with Laxman appointed as coach.

For Sooryavanshi, the challenge now is no longer simply about making headlines. With the BCCI taking a long-term view of his career, the teenage star will be expected to convert his extraordinary early promise into consistent performances and, potentially, a long international career.