‘Will see him in all three formats’ - Saba Karim backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to represent India across all three formats

Former India cricketer Saba Karim believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has all the attributes to become an all-format player for India in the near future, following his remarkable IPL 2026 campaign.

Sooryavanshi emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the season with his fearless batting and consistent performances against some of the world's best bowlers. The youngster's exploits not only earned widespread praise from fans and experts but also strengthened his case as one of India's brightest prospects.

Speaking on the left-hand batter, Karim hailed Sooryavanshi's extraordinary IPL season and compared its impact to one of the greatest individual campaigns in the tournament's history.

"In my opinion, in the history of the IPL, perhaps after that season of Virat Kohli when he scored so many runs, if one season has to be defined, it is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL, IPL 2026. The kind of performances he has put in against top-quality bowlers, even though in Indian conditions, have been top-notch," Saba Karim said on JioStar.

Karim also expressed complete confidence in the youngster's ability to make a successful transition to international cricket. According to the former selector, expectations around Sooryavanshi have grown beyond India, with cricket fans across the globe eager to see whether he can replicate his IPL heroics on the international stage.

The former wicketkeeper-batter believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager earns opportunities in all three formats for India.

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"I have full faith in his ability to score big runs. Not only Indian fans but the entire world is waiting to see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play in the same manner that he did in the IPL. I have high hopes for this young lad. Very soon, we will see him in all three formats. I am dead sure about it," he continued.

After a stellar IPL with the Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was rewarded with a selection in the Indian team for the T20I series against Ireland and England. Despite talks regarding his inclusion in the playing XI, he is yet to make his debut for the Men in Blue.