‘A good example for Vaibhav to follow’. Former India captain tells Sooryavanshi to follow Sachin Tendulkar’s path Cricket News:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sachin Tendulkar (Photo Agency)

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enjoy a bright international future but believes the youth should take inspiration from Sachin Tendulkardiscipline, focus and mental strength as he prepares for the biggest stage.Sooryavanshi, 15, is on the verge of creating history during India’s ongoing T20I series against Ireland. If he makes his international debut in the next fortnight, the left-handed batter will become the youngest player to represent India in men’s cricket, surpassing Tendulkar’s long-standing record. The batting icon made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16, while Sooryavanshi was in line to achieve the milestone last year.There was much anticipation of the teenager’s debut in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday. But, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain: Shreyas Iyer The T20 World Cup-winning opening combination remains in: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.The comparisons to Tendulkar have only intensified since Sooryavanshi’s incredible IPL 2026 campaign, where he amassed more than 700 runs for the Rajasthan Royals. While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the youngster, Vengsarkar urged him to emulate the qualities that made Tendulkar a legend of the game.“When I saw Sachin Tendulkar playing, he looked mentally mature for his age. He did very well in inter-school tournaments in Mumbai, apart from club cricket, where he always scored,” Vengsarkar told PTI.“He is mentally prepared to play at a higher level of cricket, that’s why we chose him. He is very disciplined, motivated, and focused, and that is a good example for youngsters like Vaibhav to follow,” he added.Although Sooryavanshi is still waiting for her maiden international appearance, Vengsarkar believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager gets her opportunity and expects her to make the most of it.“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 unbelievable,” said Vengsarkar.“He has great potential. Some of the shots he plays are unreal. He felt completely different. He can clear the ground with his bat swing and hand-eye coordination. In the T20 format, he is amazing,” he added.When asked if Sooryavanshi has the qualities to be a successful Test cricketer, Vengsarkar chose to remain cautious, pointing out that the youngster is largely judged on his exploits in the quickest format.“It is very difficult to say because he is currently in the T20 format. I have not seen him play in the longer format,” he said.“But I am sure he will do well in that, once selected. We have to wait and see how he plays in the higher format, which is very important,” Vengsarkar added.