At just 15 years of age, the Bihar batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshihas earned a place in India’s squads for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, along with the Asian Games, becoming one of the youngest cricketers ever to receive a national call-up. 

While cricket fans and experts have been quick to draw comparisons with some of the game’s greatest icons, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, has urged everyone to remain patient and grounded.

Speaking after his inclusion in the squad, Sanjeev expressed immense pride over his son’s achievement but emphasised that comparing the teenager with legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Sir Don Bradman at this stage would be unfair.

“This is a huge moment for our family. A very big dream has been fulfilled. I haven’t spoken to Vaibhav yet; he is currently training in Sri Lanka. I will speak to him soon. Last night he told me that the team selection would be announced at 1 pm today. My heart was pounding. I told him not to worry - he has played well, and things will turn out well,” he said in an exclusive interaction with NDTV.

The call-up is the latest milestone in a remarkable journey for the youngster, who has consistently impressed with his fearless batting and ability to take on established bowlers from the very first ball. However, Sanjeev made it clear that such comparisons are premature and unnecessary.

“Look, it’s not right to compare Vaibhav to Sachin or Bradman. These players have performed at a very high level over a long period. Right now, Vaibhav is not even equal to the dust of their feet. Such comparisons should not be made,” he continued.

In other news, Suryakumar Yadav was officially removed from the Indian T20I team, both as player and as captain. His Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer will be taking over the captaincy from the Ireland series. Left-hand batter Tilak Varma has been handed over the vice-captaincy duties for the T20Is.