Former India opener Virender Sehwag has drawn parallels between his aggressive batting philosophy and the fearless approach of teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster’s mindset reminds him of his own playing days.
Sehwag also offered an important piece of advice to the 15-year-old, stressing that his focus should be on building a long and successful career for India rather than being carried away by his early achievements. Speaking during a discussion at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual session in New Delhi on Saturday, the former opener praised Sooryavanshi’s attacking instincts and highlighted the importance of opportunities and consistent appearances at the international level.
Sehwag, renowned for his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers from the beginning of an innings, said he could identify similarities between his approach and the young batter’s thinking. “Sooryavanshi is in his prime, and his thinking is somewhat similar to mine, that of hitting right from the first ball. Now, it is about when he gets the opportunity and how many matches he plays for India,” Sehwag said. His remarks reflected an appreciation of Sooryavanshi’s willingness to take on bowlers early rather than spend time settling into an innings. Such an approach has become one of the defining features of the teenager’s batting, drawing attention to his ability to score quickly and put opposition teams under pressure.
The comparison carries weight because of Sehwag’s own achievements in international cricket. The former India opener accumulated 17,253 international runs across formats and established himself as one of the most destructive batters of his generation. His fearless approach often challenged conventional ideas about how an opening batter should begin an innings, particularly in Test cricket, where he frequently attacked from the outset. Sehwag’s ability to combine natural aggression with sustained performances made him a prominent figure in Indian cricket. His recognition of similar instincts in Sooryavanshi therefore highlights the potential he sees in the youngster, although the teenager remains at an early stage of his international career.
Sooryavanshi’s performances in T20 internationals have further strengthened the attention surrounding his batting. According to the figures cited in the report, the teenager has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 186. The numbers underline his ability to score rapidly in the shortest international format, where quick starts and sustained scoring pressure can significantly influence a team’s prospects. A strike rate of that level reflects an attacking approach, though maintaining consistency against different bowling attacks and under varying match conditions will remain an important challenge as he gains experience. His progress will also depend on how he adapts to opposition strategies, changing responsibilities and the demands of international cricket over time.
Sehwag’s advice centred on the importance of turning early promise into a durable career. While explosive performances can quickly establish a young player as one to watch, regular opportunities at the highest level are essential for long-term development. For Sooryavanshi, that means making the most of the matches he receives, learning from experienced teammates and continuing to refine his game without losing the attacking instincts that have attracted attention. Sehwag’s comments suggest that he sees the teenager’s mindset as a valuable asset, but also recognises that talent alone does not guarantee a lengthy international career. Managing expectations and adapting to the demands of elite cricket will be crucial as the youngster progresses.
The former opener’s assessment adds to the growing interest in Sooryavanshi’s development and his prospects in Indian cricket. The comparison with Sehwag is notable because both batters are associated with an instinctive, aggressive approach that places pressure on bowlers from the first delivery. However, the teenager’s immediate challenge will be to translate his early success into consistent performances as opponents become more familiar with his strengths. Sehwag’s message was therefore as much about patience and longevity as it was about attacking cricket. If Sooryavanshi can preserve his natural fearlessness while developing the consistency required at the international level, he will have an opportunity to build the sustained career that the former India opener has urged him to pursue.