Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have the support of his family as he takes his first steps in India’s senior setup, with the BCCI making a special provision to allow his parents to accompany him on overseas assignments. The decision comes as the 15-year-old prepares for upcoming international commitments following a remarkable rise through the ranks, with Hindustan Times Digital reporting that the Board approved the arrangement to help him adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
Explaining the reasoning behind the move, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the Board felt additional support was appropriate given the teenager’s age and circumstances.
“He was selected to go with the senior team from the India A team to Sri Lanka. As he is a small child, he is still a minor. Earlier, he was travelling with his contemporaries. U19 World Cup and all. Those are all his age group. A little bit one year up or down, or about the same. But when he is travelling with the men’s team, who are all adults, therefore, we deem it proper that his parents or anybody from the family can travel with him to Sri Lanka,” Saikia told HT Digital.
Ganguly welcomes the decision
Former India Captain Sourav Ganguly has endorsed the Board’s approach, arguing that the additional support could ease Sooryavanshi’s transition into international cricket at a crucial stage of his development.
“It’s a good decision by the BCCI. Vaibhav is a special talent, and everybody can see that. And if his parents accompany him on such a big tour, it will be a lot easier for him to adjust. It’s a good move by the Board,” Ganguly told Sportstar.
Ganguly also urged those around the youngster to avoid placing unnecessary expectations on him as attention continues to grow around one of India’s most exciting prospects.
“Just let him be. He is a special talent,” he added.
A special arrangement for a unique talent
Sooryavanshi is currently part of the India A squad in Sri Lanka and recently earned selection for India’s T20I squads for the Ireland and England series, as well as the Asian Games later this year. The left-handed batter arrives in the senior setup after producing one of the most dominant IPL campaigns in recent memory, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate above 237 to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and secure the Orange Cap.
Providing further details of the Board’s plans, Saikia said the arrangement could continue for future tours if the family wishes to travel.
“Today, he got picked for the senior team. We will make a request to his parents. If they are willing to go, then they can go. In fact, his father is travelling to Sri Lanka tomorrow. That is our thing. And after that, if his parents also wish to go to England, BCCI will support that because he is a kid. So, he would need some time to assimilate with the senior boys. So, from that perspective, we are helping. This is not something we allow all parents to do. It is not that, but because he is 15 years old, he should feel comfortable, and he should take some time to adjust to the adult world.”
Performances that demanded selection
The teenager’s rapid ascent began well before his senior call-up. Earlier this year, he played a pivotal role in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph, scoring 439 runs in seven matches, including a blistering 175 in the final against England. His IPL exploits later earned him the Most Valuable Player award and strengthened his case for higher honours.
Speaking during the squad announcement, India Men’s Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar said Sooryavanshi’s performances left selectors with little choice but to reward him.
“I think he has just picked himself, really. With his performances, he has almost forced us to pick him with how well he has played. For a young kid… I don’t need to talk about how well he is playing. And it’s not just this season. He obviously had a great start [to his IPL career] last season.”
With Ireland and England awaiting and a potential senior debut on the horizon, Sooryavanshi now enters the next chapter of his career with both the backing of India’s cricket leadership and the support of his family close at hand.
