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Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that emerging talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is all set for the shortest format, but still needs to work on his game for Tests.

Sooryavanshi, who is only 15, is one of the most exciting stories of IPL 2026 having scored 404 runs in 10 matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 237.64. The fearless teenager hammered all the top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah in this year's Indian Premier League.

He had already hit the headlines this year scoring a ton in his debut IPL innings and had carried his brilliant form from IPL into domestic cricket as well. Not to forget the 175 he scored in the Under-19 World Cup final earlier this year.

Manjrekar opined that Sooryavanshi has done enough to stake a claim in the Indian T20 team.

Manjrekar stated:

"Looking at IPL as a platform to stake a claim for the Indian T20 team, and keeping an eye on his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well, where he has a hundred [vs Maharashtra], I think he’s done enough. If someone is lighting up this stage like this, then he’s ready."

However, the former India batter also mentioned that the road to the Indian team may not be that easy as India already has some top class openers like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in their arsenal.

He added:

"He might be ready, but are the others ready to make way? Because there is a huge crowd for the opening slots in India."

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Manjrekar then opined that Sooryavanshi's present style may work for T20s but the very same technique may not translate to Tests, especially overseas.

He explained:

"Take consistent T20 batters in recent years, Sooryavanshi stays leg side and hits a ball on middle stump through point because he creates that room. In Test cricket, the advice is to get close to the ball. You won’t get runs in England, Australia or South Africa by staying away from it."

He finally went on to make a fine distinction on the differing approach needed for each format.

He added:

"If you want your kid to be famous and rich, T20 batting is for you. If you want him to earn respect from people like us, the critics, then he has to get close to the line of the ball."

Sooryavanshi may have taken to the game very rapidly, but his future may rely on him adjusting to the other format.