Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Test Potential Despite IPL Success

The Meteoric Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has rapidly become one of the most talked-about prospects in Indian cricket. After exploding onto the scene with the Rajasthan Royals and delivering commanding performances for the India Under-19 squad, the young batter has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike. However, amid the high-octane excitement of the IPL 2026 season, veteran commentator and former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has provided a sobering perspective on the teenager’s long-term future.

The Manjrekar Critique: Technique vs. Talent

While acknowledging Sooryavanshi’s undeniable impact in the T20 format, Manjrekar maintains that there is a significant gap between short-format dominance and the technical requirements of Test cricket. Speaking on Sportstar, Manjrekar praised the youngster’s ability to light up the stage, noting his century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as a clear indicator of his T20 readiness. However, the expert pointed toward a specific flaw in Sooryavanshi’s approach.

“Take all the consistent T20 batters in the last few years,” Manjrekar explained. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will stay leg side and hit a ball on middle stump through point because he’s staying leg side of the ball. In Test cricket, the advice is to get close to the ball. You will not get 20 runs in England, Australia, or South Africa by staying away from the ball.”

Prioritizing Format-Specific Skills

Manjrekar emphasized that while T20 cricket offers a pathway to fame and financial success, the transition to the red-ball game requires a fundamental shift in mindset and technique. He noted, “If you want your kid to be famous and rich, T20 batting is for you. If you want him to get the respect of people like us, the critics, then get him to get close to the line of the ball.” This critique underscores the traditionalist view that mastering the line of the ball is non-negotiable for those aspiring to survive the challenging conditions of overseas Test venues.

Evidence of Resilience and Versatility

Despite the skepticism, Sooryavanshi’s record suggests he is more than just a T20 specialist. The youngster has proven his ability in the longer formats, most notably during the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed a record-breaking 190 off just 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh. Furthermore, he was instrumental in leading the India Under-19 team to glory at the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, capping off his campaign with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.

A Familiar Pattern of Criticism

It is not the first time Sanjay Manjrekar’s analytical gaze has been directed at a young prodigy. Cricket followers will remember early 2012, when Manjrekar famously questioned whether a young Virat Kohli had the technical mettle to succeed in Test cricket during India’s tour of Australia. History, of course, took a different turn, as Kohli evolved into one of India’s most successful Test captains and a legendary figure in the format. Eventually, Manjrekar’s stance softened, and he even expressed genuine disappointment when the superstar announced his retirement from red-ball cricket.

The Road Ahead

Whether Sooryavanshi will follow in the footsteps of the greats or remain a formidable T20 power-hitter remains to be seen. The young batter faces the classic dilemma of the modern era: balancing the explosive demands of the IPL with the technical discipline required for the longest format. As the cricketing world watches his progress, one thing is certain—the expectations are massive, and the scrutiny will be equally intense. For Sooryavanshi, the challenge is now to prove that he can adapt his game, close the line, and earn the respect of those who currently doubt his red-ball credentials.