Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has backed 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of India’s opening T20I against Ireland. The veteran coach praised the youngster’s fearless approach and said that he fully deserves the opportunity to make his international debut.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi recently trained with the senior Indian team ahead of the upcoming two-match T20I series, which begins on Friday, June 26, in Belfast. If he makes his debut, the left-handed batterwill become the youngest player to represent the Indian men’s team, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
He Truly Deserves This Debut – Rajkumar Sharma on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking to ANI, Rajkumar Sharma praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting and ability to take on top-quality bowlers. Sharma said that the youngster has earned his opportunity and wished him success on his expected international debut.
“It’s a magnificent achievement for Vaibhav. He possesses exceptional talent and has shown it by taking on some of the world’s best bowlers. He truly deserves this debut. I’m looking forward to it and wish him all the best,” Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.
The Bihar batter earned his place in the Indian squad after a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. He scored 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a remarkable strike rate of 237.30, including one century and five half-centuries.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also won the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, and Emerging Player awards for his outstanding IPL campaign. He carried that form into the Tri-Nation Series, smashing 94 off just 29 balls in the final against Sri Lanka A.
Such players Are Born Only Once In A Generation – Rajkumar Sharma on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Rajkumar Sharma said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has inspired many parents to enrol their children in cricket coaching at a very young age. However, he advised them not to rush the process, adding that every player develops at a different pace.
“Yes, definitely, very young kids have started coming, and their parents want to enrol them. For example, someone brought a 5-year-old kid to me, and I said, ‘No, he’s still very young. Let him play for now, and enrol him in coaching when he turns 8.’ They asked, ‘If we enrol him at 8, how will he become like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?’ People’s expectations have certainly risen because a youngster has done so well. But such players are born only once in a generation,” he said.
India will begin the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, June 26, with the second match scheduled for June 28. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared an official update on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s possible debut against Ireland.
I Am Fully Hopeful He Will Be Fit – Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli’s Recovery
Rajkumar Sharma expressed confidence that Virat Kohli will recover fully from his hamstring injury before India’s ODI series against England. He said that Kohli has already reported to the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is expected to return once he receives medical clearance.
“Definitely, he had gone to the Centre of Excellence, so whatever report comes from there. I am fully hopeful that he is fit and will be fit for that series,” Rajkumar Sharma said.
Sharma also backed Kohli to return with the same commitment and intensity that has defined his career. He said that the former India captain has always maintained high standards and expects him to do the same after recovering from the injury.
“Given the intensity with which Virat plays all his matches, I am fully hopeful he will play with even more intensity. That’s what he’s always done; he won’t leave his routine. He always gives a hundred per cent on the field, and I am hopeful that he will give more than a hundred per cent,” he added.
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Author: Sai Vaitla
