Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history on Saturday (July 4) by making his international debut in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford.
At just 15 years and 99 days old, the southpaw broke Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record as the youngest-ever Indian to debut in men’s international cricket.
In his brief stay at the crease, Sooryavanshi showed glimpses of his explosive talent by hitting two sixes before being stumped for 14 runs off 10 balls.
Despite his modest score, former cricketer Saba Karim praised the Indian team management, selectors and the BCCI for handing Sooryavanshi his maiden India cap in the Manchester T20I. He believes this bold decision would benefit the international cricket community immensely.
"Full marks to the Indian team, selectors, and BCCI for firstly including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad, and then giving him a chance to play today (Saturday). They have done huge service not only to Indian cricket, but also to the international cricket community," Saba said during a discussion on JioHotstar.
"It will be a very narrow vision if we say it's a very historic day for India. It's a historic day for international cricket. When cricket is trying to become an international sport, you need this kind of enigma to bring international recognition to this game," he added.
Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the playing XI came after a record-breaking IPL 2026 season where he won the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, and Emerging Player awards with the Rajasthan Royals.
Saba also called for Sooryavanshi’s selection in the senior Indian team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to generate interest in cricket in the international sporting fraternity.
"Cricket is participating in LA 28, and such an entity, who will keep the international sporting fraternity awake, needs to enter that, that cricket is a sport where a 15-year-old boy can enter the ground and bat like that. We will have to look at the big picture. This player's entry has happened at the right time. Cricket is demanding such kind of a personality," he remarked.
Saba Karim also offered his advice to the Bihar lad, who has taken the cricketing world by storm with his breathtaking exploits lately.
"The advice will be to continue batting and scoring runs the way he has been doing thus far. He doesn't need to curb his natural instinct. As he keeps getting to play more matches against strong opposition, he will get to learn a lot," Saba stated.
The former wicketkeeper-batter wants the young prodigy to maintain his aggressive intent and high strike rate without getting bogged down
"Go with the flow. The striking ability should not come down. I hope everyone's wishes are with him, and we will get to see a lot of runs and miracles repeatedly in upcoming matches," he concluded.
India trail the five-T20I series 0-1 after two games. The third T20I will take place at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Tuesday (July 7).
