New Delhi, 17 May (H.S.): Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri believes that young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is ready for international cricket and should soon be given an opportunity in India’s T20 side.

After playing a crucial role in India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, Suryavanshi has continued his impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season while representing Rajasthan Royals, scoring runs at a remarkable pace.

Speaking during an interaction on the ICC Review, Ravi Shastri said that if the intention is to encourage a young player or integrate him into the national team at the earliest opportunity, the T20 format is the ideal platform — and according to him, the young batter lacks nothing in terms of ability.

Shastri stated that the youngster could easily find a place in several international teams around the world at the moment. He praised Suryavanshi’s youthful energy and confidence, saying that the enthusiasm is clearly visible on his face whenever he plays.

The former India coach suggested that India’s upcoming tour of Ireland in June could be the perfect opportunity to include Suryavanshi in the national squad, potentially making him one of the youngest players ever to debut for India.

Addressing discussions surrounding the batter’s age, Shastri remarked that many people would continue debating whether he is 15, 16, or 14 years old, but he personally does not care about that. According to Shastri, what matters is the way Suryavanshi is batting at present and how confidently he is taking on players nearly twice his age.

The left-handed opening batter has scored 440 runs in 11 innings during the current IPL season at an outstanding strike rate of 236.55. His performances include two half-centuries and one century. Following his impressive run, Suryavanshi was recently selected for the India A team for the first time.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar