Cheteshwar Pujara backed teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Test cricket, praising his temperament following a stellar 2026 IPL season.
MUMBAI
Indian batting legend Cheteshwar Pujara believes that fifteen year old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for the ultimate challenge. Pujara emphasized that while the young star is currently dominating the shorter format, the longest version of the game remains the true test of a player’s character.
Sooryavanshi has become the talk of the town during the ongoing 2026 IPL season. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, the left-handed prodigy has smashed 404 runs in just ten innings. This explosive performance has led many fans to demand his immediate inclusion in India’s national T20 squad. However, Pujara argues that young talents should not limit themselves to white-ball cricket.
“If Vaibhav has the opportunity and the skill, he should definitely play Tests,” Pujara stated. He explained that Test matches build the temperament and respect for the game that every cricketer needs. While acknowledging that specialists like Shreyas Iyer are vital for specific formats, he insists that the red-ball game should be the goal for every aspiring athlete.
Now working as a cricket expert, Pujara is using his vast experience to break down the game for viewers. He enjoys sharing stories from the pitch to help fans and young players understand the technical side of batting and bowling strategies. For Pujara, the message is clear, talent like Sooryavanshi’s is rare, and it deserves to be nurtured on the grandest stage of all.