Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be at the centre of a major selection call in India’s T20I team over the next six months.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the 15-year-old will eventually push either Tilak Varma or Shivam Dube out of the playing XI.
Kaif’s bold prediction
Kaif made the prediction on his YouTube channel while discussing India’s T20I options.
He admitted that Tilak Varma’s position comes with added weight because he is India’s vice-captain. However, Kaif pointed out that leadership roles do not always guarantee a permanent place in the playing XI.
“I understand that Tilak is the vice-captain. But vice-captains have also been dropped before,” Kaif said.
He then turned his attention to Dube, who has also been used in India’s T20I setup.
Why Dube could be under pressure
Kaif feels Shivam Dube still has work to do to secure his place.
The former batter said Dube is not scoring in every game. He also questioned whether Dube can be viewed as a proper bowling all-rounder, saying he is currently playing mainly as a batter.
Kaif also raised concerns over Dube’s fielding.
“After six months, either Tilak or Dube will be out. You will have to remove one, and Sooryavanshi will play. I am saying this right now,” he said.
Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise
The teenage batter has already attracted attention with his aggressive style and strong performances.
Sooryavanshi scored 151 runs in the three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe and was named Player of the Series. He was also included in discussions around India’s T20I combinations against Afghanistan and Japan.
His presence gives India another attacking option at the top of the order. He has been considered alongside players such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.
A difficult selection call
Replacing Tilak Varma would be a major decision because of his vice-captaincy and role in the middle order.
Dropping Shivam Dube would also change India’s balance. Although Kaif questioned his bowling role, Dube offers another left-handed batting option and has been part of the team’s plans.
Sooryavanshi’s entry would therefore not be a simple like-for-like change. India would need to decide whether his batting impact outweighs the experience and roles offered by Varma or Dube.
What happens next?
Kaif’s prediction is about the next six months, not an immediate call for India to drop either player.
For now, Sooryavanshi’s challenge is to keep performing whenever he gets an opportunity. Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube, meanwhile, will look to strengthen their claims through consistent batting and overall contributions.
The competition could make India’s T20I selection meetings even more closely watched.
FAQs
Who predicted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could replace Tilak Varma or Shivam Dube?
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif made the prediction on his YouTube channel.
When could Sooryavanshi enter India’s first-choice T20I team?
Kaif believes the 15-year-old could force his way into the team within six months.
Why could Shivam Dube be under pressure?
Kaif said Dube is not scoring in every game, has fielding concerns and is not being used as a proper bowling all-rounder.
What did Sooryavanshi achieve in Zimbabwe?
He scored 151 runs in the three-match T20I series and won the Player of the Series award.
