Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has urged patience over the rapid rise of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting it is too soon to consider the 15-year-old as a replacement for Sanju Samson in India’s T20I playing XI. Karim praised Samson’s recent performances for both India and in the IPL, stressing that the experienced batter has earned his place through consistent match-winning contributions.
While Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of Indian cricket’s brightest young talents following a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, Karim believes the youngster will benefit more from learning within the national team environment before making his international debut.
Saba Karim Defends Sanju Samson’s Place in India’s T20I Team
Speaking about India’s batting combination, Karim dismissed suggestions that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should immediately replace Sanju Samson.
He highlighted Samson’s recent achievements, including his impressive IPL season and his role in India’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
According to Karim, Samson remains one of India’s proven match-winners and deserves continued backing based on his performances rather than speculation over emerging talent.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Should Be Allowed to Develop
Karim believes travelling with the Indian squad, even without immediate playing opportunities, is an important stage in Sooryavanshi’s development.
The former India cricketer said the teenager is gaining valuable experience by training alongside established international players and understanding the standards required to break into one of the world’s most competitive T20 teams.
He added that earning a place in the national side requires patience, consistency and sustained performances, qualities that will help the young batter mature both on and off the field.
IPL 2026 Hero Yet to Make International Debut
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has attracted widespread attention after an extraordinary IPL 2026 campaign for the Rajasthan Royals.
The teenage opener scored 776 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30, finishing as the tournament’s Player of the Tournament and becoming one of the most exciting young prospects in world cricket.
Despite his outstanding domestic performances, India opted not to hand him an international debut during the recent T20I series against Ireland, where the team suffered a 2-0 series defeat.
Instead, the selectors retained the experienced top-order trio of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, all of whom played key roles in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.
Karim Confident Sooryavanshi Will Play for India Soon
Although he believes patience is necessary, Karim has no doubts about Sooryavanshi’s long-term future with the national team.
He expressed confidence that the youngster possesses the talent to succeed at the highest level and predicted that he will eventually represent India across all three international formats.
Karim also noted that cricket fans around the world are eager to see whether Sooryavanshi can replicate the fearless batting style that made him one of the standout performers of IPL 2026.
Focus Shifts to England Series
India’s attention now turns to the ongoing T20I series against England, with the second match scheduled to be played on Saturday.
While Sooryavanshi continues to wait for his maiden international appearance, the series provides another opportunity for India’s established batting lineup to strengthen its position ahead of future assignments.
Key Takeaways
- Saba Karim backed Sanju Samson to retain his place in India’s T20I side.
- He said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must earn his international debut.
- Sooryavanshi scored 776 IPL 2026 runs and was named Player of the Tournament.
- India retained Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan despite Sooryavanshi’s strong form.
- Karim expects the teenager to represent India across all three formats in the future.
