- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IPL 2026: Ex-Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Kamran Akmal has come out in support of Rajasthan Royals teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to receive his debut India call-up post the ongoing season and revealed that the youngster has proved his worth to be in the discussion for the senior Indian T20I team. Akmal made these statements after Sooryavanshi had a flying start to his campaign, which has become one of the highlights of the ongoing season.
Kamran Akmal backs Sooryavanshi for India call-up
During an interaction on the YouTube show Gameplan, Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying, "In just 8 IPL games, he has been piling records - he already has a hundred. I think in the coming international games for India, he will get a chance after IPL. He will become a young player of the T20 international team. He has proved himself everywhere. If he continues to perform, he will definitely get the chance.Akmal also highlighted Sooryavanshi’s mature shot selection. His presence of mind, game awareness, and adaptability at this age are remarkable. His performance stands out, especially after a 50 off 15 balls in a chase of 128," he said.
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The numbers behind the growing buzz
Sooryavanshi has proved his worth ever since he made his IPL 2025 debut in style. He gained attention for his batting prowess in his age group and for his consistent performances in domestic tournaments. But two of the biggest highlights of his short career include an IPL hundred and a match-winning knock of 175 runs during the U-19 World Cup summit clash.
He also performed brilliantly during their tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings. He had scored 52 runs off 17 balls and brought up his half-century off just 15 balls, and helped RR chase the target of 128 runs in just 12.1 overs. He had smashed five sixes and four fours in his knock and also stitched a match-winning partnership of 75 runs for the first wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Sooryavanshi came into the ongoing season with a lot of attention around him. Before IPL 2026, he was considered one of the players to watch.
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Acknowledging the team behind Sooryavanshi’s rise, Akmal expressed admiration for his support system, remarking, “His family and his father should be proud - the way he has worked with him, the way the others, too, like coaches who have taught him in school cricket, in club cricket. I am afraid - when he is 25, the bowlers will not know what to do with him", he said.
Akmal isn't the only one to have started this conversation. Ex-India cricketers Mohammad Kaif and Piyush Chawla have also suggested a similar notion. In contrast, Ambati Rayudu has warned that he will face stiff competition to seal his spot in India's T20I team. And that's why Sooryavanshi has become a talking point in the ongoing season.