Dilip Vengsarkar – once India’s skipper and chief selector – has thrown support behind young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Though just fifteen, the left-handed batsman now finds himself named in India’s group heading to Ireland first up. Following that trip, the team shifts focus toward a string of limited-overs games across England. With quiet confidence, Vengsarkar believes the youngster could step into the side and deliver straightaway when given the nod.

Vengsarkar called Sooryavanshi a rare find – someone whose timing feels almost natural.

His hands move just right when the ball comes flying, while he swings without hesitation. Instead of holding back, he pushes forward, even under pressure. That calm shows he might handle big moments better than most expect.

Vengsarkar urges patience over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Test future, draws Sachin comparison

“I am sure he will get the opportunity, and once he gets it, he will grab it with both hands because he is a very good player. He is just unbelievable,” Vengsarkar told PTI during the Mumbai Cricket Association’s tour of the United Kingdom.

What stands out is how naturally gifted the young player seems, Vengsarkar remarked, noting Sooryavanshi has a unique touch at the crease. A few coming through recently show his kind of promise, which places him among India’s most exciting new batsmen.

“He has tremendous potential. Some of the shots he plays are unreal. His batsmanship is completely different. He can clear the ground with his bat swing and hand-eye coordination. In the T20 format, he has been amazing,” he said.

Still, the ex-chief of selection gave pause when questioned about Sooryavanshi turning into an eventual Test player for India.

“It’s very difficult to say because he is currently in the T20 format. I have not seen him play in the longer format. But I’m sure he will do well once picked. We will have to wait and see how he performs because success in the longer format is very important,” Vengsarkar explained.
At seventy, he looked back at how Sachin Tendulkar began, seeing it as a path worth walking for newcomers in cricket.

“When I watched Sachin Tendulkar play, he looked mentally mature for his age. He performed consistently in school and club cricket and was mentally ready for international cricket.

He was disciplined, passionate and focused, and that’s a great example for youngsters like Vaibhav to emulate,” he said.

Besides backing the team’s direction, Vengsarkar sees something steady in Shreyas Iyer’s approach. Leadership seems to come naturally to the Mumbai player, he noted. Success isn’t guaranteed, yet his calm stands out. The way Iyer handles pressure gives reason to believe. Moments like these reveal who can carry a role quietly. There’s weight behind how he leads without loud gestures.

“He leads from the front because he is performing well as a batter, and that gives him the confidence to make decisions as captain.

He is a thoughtful leader and will do well,” he said.

Back then, India’s captain mentioned giving Sarfaraz Khan more chances in Tests, alongside Devdutt Padikkal. That stand they built versus England at Dharamsala still stands out. One moment it was quiet, the next thing you know, runs were flowing between them.

“I was really impressed by Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal. They showed excellent temperament and technique in a difficult situation. Sarfaraz is a quality player, but no one can take their place for granted. Fitness is equally important,” he added.

Hardik Pandya knows how his body works, so he can handle what he takes on. When it comes to whether Rohit Sharma plays in 2027, that call rests only with him. Vengsarkar made that clear. The choice isn’t up to others. How much cricket someone does fits their own sense of timing. Some players feel when it’s time. Others keep going until they decide otherwise. What matters is listening closely. Not pushing. Each person finds their path differently.

“Hardik knows his body and how to get the best out of himself. It all depends on fitness and focus. As for Rohit, he has served Indian cricket brilliantly for nearly two decades. He knows what’s best for his career,” Vengsarkar said.