Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored 776 runs in IPL 2026. Courtesy: Reuters

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi more than ready: Sangakkara backs RR starboy for India call-up

IPL 2026, GT vs RR: Kumar Sangakkara believes Rajasthan Royals teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for an India call-up after a record-breaking IPL 2026 season in which he scored 776 runs and is the Orange Cap holder.

30 May 2026, 03:11 by Sabyasachi Chowdhury · India Today

In Short

The 15-year-old struck 96 off 47 in Qualifier 2 defeat against GT
He is the current holder of the Orange Cap with 776 runs
Sangakkara praised Sooryrvanshi for showing maturity in batting

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is more than ready for an India debut. The teenage sensation enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 campaign, finishing as the Orange Cap holder with 776 runs from 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a staggering strike rate of 237.30, including one century and five fifties.

Amid his remarkable season, Sooryavanshi also earned a call-up to the India A squad for next month's tour of Sri Lanka. On Friday, the 15-year-old smashed 96 off 47 balls, but his valiant effort went in vain as the Royals failed to reach the final, losing to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.

Backing Sooryavanshi to soon earn his senior India cap, Sangakkara praised the youngster's maturity and composure, saying he has shown a strong sense of responsibility and impressive game awareness throughout the tournament.

GT vs RR, Qualifier 2: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

“You never really know if anyone is ready until they play. But with everything he has shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him. I’m sure he’ll get that call-up very, very soon,” Sangakkara said in the post-match press conference.

“He has batted with a lot of maturity and shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership really well for us this season.

‘NEVER A GOOD SIGHT’

Sooryavanshi also faced a major challenge against the Titans when he was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Kagiso Rabada. However, the Royals opener showed remarkable courage, quickly regaining his composure after undergoing a mandatory medical assessment before continuing his innings.

“And yes, any batter getting hit is scary. I’ve seen a lot of people get hit, and it’s never a good sight. But I’m glad he’s OK,” Sangakkara added.

Sooryavanshi may have fallen just four runs short of a century in Qualifier 2, but the 15-year-old still had plenty to celebrate. During his 96-run knock, he became the fastest batter to reach 1,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced, surpassing Andre Russell's previous record.

He also became the second-fastest player to the milestone in terms of innings, getting there in just 23 innings, only behind Shaun Marsh, who achieved the feat in 21. With a record-breaking IPL season behind him, all eyes will now be on Sooryavanshi as he joins the India A squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka, which gets underway on June 9.

- Ends