New Delhi: Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be given the right balance of white ball and red ball cricket to develop into an all format player for India.
Sooryavanshi, who shot to prominence during a breakthrough IPL season and subsequently made his T20I debut against England in June, is now set to return to the longer format. The 15 year old will represent East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, giving him an important opportunity to strengthen his red ball credentials.
Dravid, who worked with Sooryavanshi during his stint with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, said the youngster’s exposure to the IPL is valuable, but regular domestic red ball cricket is equally important for his long term development.
The former India coach stressed that the teenager needs time and experience rather than immediate expectations. Sooryavanshi has played considerably more white ball cricket than red ball cricket and has had limited continuity in the longer format because of his India Under 19 commitments.
His Ranji Trophy record also highlights the need for greater experience. He currently averages 17.25 across 12 innings in three spells in the Ranji Trophy Plate League.
Dravid said Sooryavanshi should be allowed to gradually develop his game and understand the demands of different formats. He also emphasised the importance of producing young cricketers capable of succeeding across formats as India looks to maintain the relevance and strength of Test cricket.
At just 15, Sooryavanshi has already experienced an extraordinary rise, but Dravid believes setbacks will inevitably form part of his development. He urged patience around the youngster and said expectations should be managed as he adjusts to higher levels of competition.
With the Duleep Trophy providing another opportunity to play sustained red ball cricket, Sooryavanshi now has a chance to take another important step towards becoming a complete cricketer.
