Need players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to play Test cricket: Dravid
What's the story
Former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid has emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old prodigy has made waves in limited-overs cricket, especially with his IPL performances. However, as he shifts focus to the domestic red-ball season, Dravid stresses the need for a balanced approach to his development across formats.
Balanced approach
Dravid emphasizes need for balanced approach
Speaking at an ETPL event in Dublin, Dravid said, "I think you always have to find that balance. And I think it's a great thing that Vaibhav is getting the experience of playing some white-ball cricket through the IPL in India."
He added that while it's good for Sooryavanshi to play white-ball cricket, he should also get time to focus on his red-ball career in India's domestic circuit.
Notably, the teen recently became India's youngest-ever international debutant. He has played six T20Is so far.
Test cricket
Test cricket survival hinges on players like Sooryavanshi: Dravid
Dravid also stressed the need for players like Sooryavanshi to play all formats of the game.
He said, "All of us also want to see Test cricket survive, all of us want to see Test cricket grow, and we need players like him."
The former captain's comments highlight his commitment toward ensuring a balanced development for young cricketers across different formats.
Upcoming challenge
Duleep Trophy next for Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi's next test comes in the Duleep Trophy, where he will play for East Zone as the domestic season begins.
The tournament gives him something he has had relatively little of so far - continuity in First-Class cricket.
Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2025, believes this period of red-ball cricket is crucial for the young talent's growth.
Notably, Sooryavanshi has played just eight FC games so far, scoring 207 runs at 17.25 (50: 1).
Patience
Give Vaibhav time and experience: Dravid
Dravid has urged people to be patient with Sooryavanshi, stressing that he will need time and experience.
He said, "He's only 15, and I think you've got to just give him some time and you've got to be patient with him."
The former captain acknowledged that while the young talent has been successful right away, he will go through ups and downs in his career.
Match opportunities
Successes and challenges await Sooryavanshi
The Duleep Trophy could give Sooryavanshi at least two back-to-back red-ball matches if East Zone goes far in the tournament. Further First-Class opportunities may also be available after that.
However, Dravid has warned against expecting the teenager's exceptional white-ball success to translate immediately into the longer format of the game.
He said, "I think he's going to have some success but he also might have periods where it probably doesn't work out well for him."