Ravichandran Ashwin has advised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enjoy his cricket. The 15-year-old prodigy has already made his Ranji Trophy debut at 12 and scored an IPL hundred at 14.
What happened?
Ashwin believes Sooryavanshi is a 'special' talent, noting his ability to adapt against senior bowlers. He made these comments on the BBC's *Stumped* podcast.
Why it matters for Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin thinks Sooryavanshi should have fun playing the game, like he would in the gullies from his hometown. He's not going to have a lot of time to play without pressure, which will eventually catch up.
What comes next?
Sooryavanshi is in line to potentially make his T20I debut against Ireland in Belfast, but his inclusion remains uncertain given the presence of established openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
Ashwin also reflected on the structure of Indian cricket and the limited opportunities for active international players to feature in overseas franchise leagues. He thinks the economic model means a lot to the game, and the IPL is standing at the cusp of probably having a valuation that's more than some of the other leagues.
The IPL is able to retain the quality of players, local players especially, and Indian players are heavily marketable in the country. Enabling them to move on to another league, especially when they're contracted to play for their country, is unlikely to happen.
Ashwin's comments come as Sooryavanshi prepares for the upcoming Ireland series. The 15-year-old prodigy has already built a remarkable rise, finishing as the top scorer in IPL 2026.
Sooryavanshi's talent is already evident, but the real challenge will come as expectations grow and pressure builds over time. Ashwin wants him to have fun and entertain all of us, rather than feeling the weight of pressure.
The India squad is set to face Ireland in the upcoming series, with Sooryavanshi potentially making his T20I debut. The team is unlikely to rush him unless conditions demand it, given the presence of established openers.
Ashwin's advice to Sooryavanshi is to enjoy the game and not let pressure get to him. He's a 15-year-old kid who should have fun playing cricket, just like he would in the gullies from his hometown.
The upcoming Ireland series will be a test for Sooryavanshi, but Ashwin is confident in his abilities. He's a special talent who can make subtle adjustments with respect to senior bowlers coming after him.
Ashwin's comments on the BBC's *Stumped* podcast provide valuable insight into his thoughts on Sooryavanshi's talent and future. He wants the 15-year-old prodigy to enjoy the game and not feel the weight of pressure.
Sooryavanshi's rise to fame has been rapid, but Ashwin thinks he should take his time and enjoy the game. He's not going to have a lot of time to play without pressure, which will eventually catch up.
The India squad is set to face Ireland in the upcoming series, with Sooryavanshi potentially making his T20I debut. Ashwin's advice to him is to enjoy the game and not let pressure get to him.