Hussain Backs 15-Year-Old Sooryavanshi for India Call-Up

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has urged India to consider an international debut for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating his IPL 2026 performances make him impossible to overlook. The young prodigy amassed an astonishing 776 runs in 16 matches, boasting an exceptional strike rate of 237.30. Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record by hitting 72 sixes in a single season, earning him the prestigious Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player award. His meteoric rise has garnered praise from cricket legends like Ravi Shastri and Sachin Tendulkar. Hussain drew parallels to Sachin Tendulkar's early career, emphasizing that exceptional talent like Sooryavanshi's must be integrated into the national team. Despite India having established openers, Hussain believes Sooryavanshi's consistent and outstanding case for selection is undeniable. The former England skipper highlighted that the next challenge for the young batter will be proving himself in varied conditions and overcoming inevitable career downturns. Sooryavanshi was also instrumental in India's Under-19 World Cup victory, scoring the highest in the final against England. He is set to play in an upcoming India A tri-series starting June 9.