'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has forced even Bumrah to think' - Irfan Pathan wants 15-year-old to make India debut soon
The ex-India cricketer believes that leaving Bumrah on his toes is something that even the most accomplished batters in the world have failed to do.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi started his IPL career with a six and announced his grand arrival. Well, that one stroke wasn't a fluke, as he has continued his rampage in the second season as well, and this time, it is getting even bigger. When Rajasthan Royals met Mumbai Indians in Guwahati for the IPL 2026 clash, Sooryavanshi took charge on Jasprit Bumrah, arguably one of the best pacers in the world, for a six off his first ball, leaving everyone in awe, including former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
The ex-India cricketer believes that leaving Bumrah on his toes is something that even the most accomplished batters in the world have failed to do. Pathan analysed that Sooryavanshi does not think too much about who the bowler coming at him is and follows the see-the-ball-hit-the-ball approach, which is unique to him.
“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 was quoted as saying by 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," the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
Check the video of Sooryavanshi hitting Bumrah for two sixes here
For the unversed, Sooryavanshi's blitzkrieg against the five-time champions helped Rajasthan in gaining their third straight win of the season. He opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal (77* off 32) in a match that was shortened to 11-overs-a-side due to rain. The youngster smashed 39 off just 14 balls, which included five mammoth sixes and a four. He batted at an unbelievable strike rate of 278.57.
The 41-year-old has opined that destiny is banging on Sooryavanshi's doors for an India debut, and the selectors should not make him wait for long before handing him his maiden international cap. With age on the youngster's side, Pathan believes that the Samastipur-born can play professional cricket for over a couple of decades.
“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 added.
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