BCCI Plans Long-Term Career Path for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Eyes Sachin Tendulkar-Like Success

BCCI Takes Long-Term Approach to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Career, Eyes Sachin Tendulkar-Like Legacy

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise has caught the attention of the BCCI, which is now taking a long-term approach to managing the teenage batter’s development and international career.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board wants the 15-year-old to build a sustained career rather than become a short-lived sensation. He said Sooryavanshi is being monitored closely as the board looks to ensure that he develops into a player capable of serving Indian cricket for many years.

The youngster’s future featured prominently during the BCCI’s high-level review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Saikia said the board was keeping a close watch on every stage of Sooryavanshi’s progress, while his availability for the Duleep Trophy final will depend on 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.

He added that the BCCI was approaching Sooryavanshi’s development with particular caution, stressing that the teenager’s success should not be limited to a single series or season.

“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 said.

FROM IPL BREAKTHROUGH TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise has already taken him from domestic cricket to the IPL and then to the international stage.

Following an impressive IPL 2026 campaign, he became India’s youngest-ever men’s international debutant. His opening T20I series against England proved challenging, but he quickly bounced back, scoring 151 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe.

His strong domestic form has also continued. In the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone, Sooryavanshi struck 92 off 81 deliveries. The innings made him the youngest batter in the tournament’s history to score a half-century. He followed it with a quick 40 in the second innings as East Zone secured a place in the final.

However, his participation in the final is yet to be confirmed. East Zone are scheduled to meet South Zone at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium from September 6. KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj have been asked to represent South Zone, while Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan will reportedly need Gambhir’s approval to play.

BCCI ALSO TRACKING OTHER YOUNG PROSPECTS

Saikia revealed that the BCCI’s long-term development programme extends beyond Sooryavanshi. Around 10-15 promising players have been identified as part of a targeted group being closely followed by the board’s Centre of Excellence.

VVS Laxman, the head of the Centre of Excellence, is taking an active role in monitoring their training, development and skill progression.

“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 upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, beginning September 13. He is also set to travel with India’s Asian Games squad, which will be coached by Laxman.

With the BCCI placing a strong emphasis on his long-term development, Sooryavanshi’s next challenge will be to turn his remarkable early promise into sustained success at the highest level.