Coach urges BCCI to fast-track teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi into India T20Is

With the T20 World Cup just two months away, the BCCI has been urged to consider teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a spot in India’s T20I squad. The appeal has come from his childhood coach, Manish Ojha, who believes the 14-year-old is already equipped to handle the demands of international cricket.

Ojha’s remarks come days after Suryavanshi produced a stunning 171-run knock against the UAE in the ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup, marking his sixth century in 2025 alone. The youngster shot to nationwide fame earlier this year during the Indian Premier League when he smashed a sensational hundred for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest player ever to score an IPL century.

Since then, Suryavanshi has continued his remarkable run, scoring centuries against England and Australia, two against the UAE, and another for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite limited experience in senior domestic cricket and no Under-19 World Cup exposure, Ojha feels his ward has already proven himself at the highest competitive levels.

“In my opinion, he’s absolutely ready, at least for T20Is,” Ojha said. “In the IPL, he faced international and top domestic bowlers and played them with great control. The decision lies with the BCCI, but I believe he’s ready for T20Is and even ODIs. Given his form, he should be given an opportunity sooner rather than later. It would be historic and hugely motivating for a young player.”

Ojha also highlighted Suryavanshi’s composure while playing alongside established names. “He was part of the Rising Stars Asia Cup and played with senior India players under Jitesh Sharma’s leadership. Even then, he stood out,” he added.

Also Read: U-19 Asia Cup: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes long-standing 17-year-old record

Following his IPL breakthrough, Suryavanshi has gained valuable exposure through white-ball matches in England and a red-ball game in Australia. He also impressed while featuring for India A in the Emerging Asia Cup. Along the way, he has broken multiple records, including the fastest century in Youth ODIs and the joint-third fastest century in men’s T20s for India.

During his 171 against the UAE, Suryavanshi smashed 14 sixes, setting a new world record for the most sixes in a single Youth ODI innings, surpassing Australia’s Michael Hill. He also became the first player in history to hit more than 50 Youth ODI sixes. Earlier, his unbeaten 108 against Maharashtra made him the youngest centurion in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history.

While acknowledging that international cricket poses a different challenge, Ojha remains confident. “In the IPL, he played in front of massive, intense crowds and stayed completely calm. There was no sign of nervousness. I’m fully confident he’ll handle international pressure just as well,” he said.