Following a fearless batting display by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against the pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, the calls for Sooryavanshi's elevation to the national team have grown louder now. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been among the strongest voices advocating for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion. According to Pathan, when a player shows readiness at the highest level of competition, age should not become a barrier. On Tuesday, during the IPL clash between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, Sooryavanshi facing Bumrah exhibited remarkable composure, taking on Bumrah from ball one. He smashed the most experienced bowler for two breathtaking sixes, demonstrating great confidence.

"The way Jasprit Bumrah had no plans visible, the way he moved to the slower one — Vaibhav Suryavanshi has forced even Bumrah to think. In white-ball cricket, India has not found a bowler like Bumrah. He is a GOAT. And this feat has been achieved against him,” Irfan Pathan said, as quoted by the Indian Express.

“Whatever bowler comes in front, he does not watch his action, does not think too much. He only watches the ball. If he gets it, he hits it. This thinking makes him very special," he said.

Young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, smashing a rapid 39 off 14 deliveries, forged a brilliant partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who blazed a sensational unbeaten 77 off 32 balls. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals continued their dominant start to the IPL 2026 season with the third consecutive win in the tournament, beating MI by 27 runs.

"Sooryavanshi is a destiny’s child. What he is doing at 15 in white-ball cricket – I don’t think we have ever seen anyone do this. Don’t make this boy wait too long. Give him the Indian team cap. Imagine this boy can play 20 years of professional cricket. This is scary for bowlers,” Pathan said.