‘Sooryavanshi hasn’t played as much red-ball cricket’: Dravid’s blunt assessment

Rahul Dravid, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and ex-head coach, has emphasized the need for a balanced approach in nurturing young talent, specifically highlighting the case of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Dravid noted that Sooryavanshi has not yet had sufficient exposure to red-ball cricket compared to his performances in shorter formats, despite his recent successes in white-ball matches and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sooryavanshi made headlines during the IPL 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals, showcasing his potential in the shortest form of the game. His performance led to his T20I debut in England in June, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, his transition into the longer format of the game has been limited so far. In the Ranji Trophy Plate League, he has averaged 17.25 from 12 innings over three stints, which reflects a modest start in first-class cricket. This has prompted Dravid to call for a careful management of Sooryavanshi's career path. Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025, expressed optimism about the teenager's future in both formats of the game. He stressed the importance of allowing Sooryavanshi to gain substantial experience in red-ball cricket, which is crucial for long-term success in Test matches. “I think you always have to find that balance,” Dravid stated, acknowledging the value of Sooryavanshi's exposure to white-ball cricket through the IPL while emphasizing the necessity of his continued involvement in the Indian domestic system. The upcoming Duleep Trophy presents a valuable opportunity for Sooryavanshi to accumulate more experience in red-ball cricket. Dravid believes this tournament will provide the necessary platform for the young cricketer to develop his skills further. “The good thing is he is going to take some time, he is going to need some experience, he is going to get an opportunity to play a lot of red-ball cricket,” Dravid remarked, underscoring the significance of sustained exposure to the longer format. As Sooryavanshi continues to navigate his burgeoning career, Dravid urged patience from fans and critics alike. He acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the teenager following his rapid rise but cautioned against judging him solely based on his initial success. “He is only 15 and I think you have got to just give him some time and you have got to be patient with him,” Dravid advised, recognizing that Sooryavanshi would inevitably face challenges and fluctuations in performance along the way. The broader context of Dravid's comments lies in the ongoing debate about the survival and growth of Test cricket in modern-day sports. With the increasing popularity of shorter formats, there is a growing concern among cricketing authorities about maintaining the relevance of Test matches. Dravid reiterated the collective desire to ensure the longevity of Test cricket, stating that players like Sooryavanshi must be equipped to succeed in all formats of the game. Sooryavanshi's journey thus far has been marked by remarkable achievements, but the road ahead requires a strategic blend of experience in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. As he prepares to represent East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, the focus will be on how effectively he can adapt to the demands of longer formats while continuing to thrive in the shorter ones. His ability to manage these dual responsibilities could shape not only his personal trajectory but also influence the future direction of Indian cricket.