Rahane Calls for Patience with Young Sooryavanshi

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has urged cricket fans and experts to exercise patience with teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, emphasizing that the Indian Premier League and international cricket operate on entirely different planes.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Rahane cautioned against putting excessive pressure on the 15-year-old sensation who has already drawn significant attention following his rapid rise through the ranks.

"It's tough to say or comment on right now. I don't want to say anything and put pressure on that young kid because people are already talking a lot about him. It's just two IPL seasons," Rahane said.

IPL Success Doesn't Guarantee International Glory

Rahane highlighted the stark contrast between franchise cricket and representing one's country on the global stage.

"What I've realised is that IPL and international cricket are completely different. The pressure when you represent your country is enormous. Chasing 70 runs in the IPL in four or five overs is easy. Chasing the same number of runs in international cricket is different. So, let him just play his game, let him just grow," he added.

Sooryavanshi's Roller-Coaster Start

The left-handed batter earned his maiden India call-up after a brilliant IPL 2026 season. Although selected for both the Ireland and England tours, he did not feature in the Ireland series. He eventually made his debut in England after Sanju Samson's poor run with the bat.

Sooryavanshi's first taste of international cricket proved challenging. He struggled in England, scoring 14, 13, and 15 in three T20Is before losing his place for the final match of the series.

Zimbabwe Series Turns the Tide

However, the teenager quickly bounced back from the disappointment of the England tour with a match-winning display against Zimbabwe. He began the three-match T20I series with a half-century, scored 20 in the second game, and then blasted 81 off 49 balls in the final match.

India completed a 3-0 clean sweep, while Sooryavanshi finished with 151 runs at an average of 50.33 to win the Player of the Series award, silencing critics who had questioned his selection after the England struggle.

Rahane's message remains clear: allow the young talent time to develop without the weight of excessive expectations.