Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan feels the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could become a match-winner for India across formats. He wants the southpaw to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup as he can change the game. The teenager made his T20I debut for India against England in the second T20I of the five-match series. He is the youngest cricketer to represent India in international cricket.

Sivaramakrishnan urged the selectors to look beyond the slam-bang version of the game and suggested that the team management give Sooryavanshi consistent opportunities in both formats of white-ball cricket.

Sooryavanshi faced 10 balls to amass 14 runs, with the help of two sixes and showed a glimpse of his talent to the world. He didn’t spare Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue before all-rounder Will Jacks got rid of him.

The memorable debut came after a lot of debate and discussion. He was not considered for the first two T20Is against Ireland and one game against England.

“He should play the upcoming 50-over World Cup if he performs well in the T20 format. He should be given chances because he can be a match-winner,” Sivaramakrishnan told PTI.

“When he starts scoring runs, he will be a match-winner in all formats of white-ball cricket,” he added.

Sivaramakrishnan requested Gambhir and Iyer to back the young cricketer and give him a long rope.

“He should be persisted with in white-ball cricket. He deserves to be backed. There is no point in resting him or giving him a break. He doesn’t need a break. He can play throughout the year,” he mentioned.

“He is a batter and doesn’t need fitness like a bowler. His concentration will only get better if he bats for a long period of time. His mental aspect will also improve. Once you have decided to include him in the playing XI, give him ample opportunities. He needs a lot of support from the coach, the captain, and even from his teammates. Even though he is not able to perform in a few matches, he should be backed, and he should continue playing,” he concluded.

He scored over 750 runs for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2026 and won the Orange Cap and several other awards.

The national selectors gave him a maiden call for the UK tour and the Asian Games.