Sourav Ganguly has asked fans and pundits not to load unrealistic expectations on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the 15-year-old’s first India call-up.
The selection
Suryavanshi has been picked for India’s T20I assignments in Ireland and England, and for the 2026 Asian Games, following a remarkable IPL 2026. He finished as the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals and won the Orange Cap, with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30. If he debuts, he would become the youngest in Indian cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted after turning 16.
Ganguly’s advice
Speaking to PTI at an event in Mumbai, Ganguly said the youngster should simply be left alone. He felt Suryavanshi would not worry much about pressure, as the IPL showed, but he noted that playing for India is a different challenge.
The former captain warned that conditions in Ireland and England will test him in new ways, with more seam movement, extra bounce and greater help for the new ball. International cricket is another game, he said, but the teenager has enormous talent and should be given time to settle rather than be expected to deliver everything immediately.
What comes next
Before joining the senior squad, Suryavanshi will represent India A in a tri-series with Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.
His inclusion also poses a selection puzzle. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have all done well recently and contributed to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 success. The tour begins with the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast on June 26.
