Cheteshwar Pujara Advocates for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Cricket Aspirations

In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara advocated for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to pursue Test cricket, highlighting its significance in developing skills and temperament. Sooryavanshi, the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, has garnered attention for his T20 performances. Pujara emphasized the need for young players to aspire to play Test cricket while also recognizing the value of white-ball specialists. Additionally, he shared insights into his commentary role, blending storytelling with match analysis to enhance viewer understanding. This perspective aims to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 02:03 IST

Pujara Supports Sooryavanshi's Test Cricket Ambitions

Cheteshwar Pujara, the former Indian cricketer, expressed his belief that 15-year-old talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should pursue a career in Test cricket if given the right chances. He emphasized that young players should consider the longer format as a vital part of their cricketing journey.

Sooryavanshi has already made headlines by becoming the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the current Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, amassing 404 runs across 10 innings. His impressive performances have sparked interest among fans and analysts to include him in India's T20I squad. However, Pujara highlighted that while Sooryavanshi is excelling in T20 cricket and is likely to receive an India call-up, he should also aim for Test cricket, which fosters essential skills, temperament, and respect for the game.

"Vaibhav is a remarkable player thriving in T20 cricket, and he will undoubtedly get an opportunity with the Indian team. Whether he plays Test cricket remains to be seen. If he possesses the potential, opportunity, and time, he should certainly aim for Test cricket, as it builds temperament and respect for the game. Test cricket should be a goal for every young player," Pujara stated during a media interaction while working as an expert on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary.'

Different Formats Require Specialized Players

Pujara acknowledged that while Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport, players who specialize in white-ball formats can also excel. He suggested that athletes like Sooryavanshi and Shreyas Iyer should be utilized based on their strengths, advocating for the inclusion of different players for various formats.

"I agree that Test cricket is the ultimate format, but that doesn't imply that white-ball specialists lack the capability. Players like Vaibhav and Shreyas Iyer should participate in their respective formats. It's essential to have specialized players for different formats," he remarked.

Insights on His Commentary Role

Pujara shared insights about his role as an expert for JioStar's CTV Hindi feed, contrasting it with traditional studio commentary. He described his position as a blend of storytelling and in-depth match analysis, leveraging his playing experience to dissect on-field situations, player techniques, and bowling strategies.

"This is commentary, but it also involves storytelling. As players, we have a wealth of experience and can share how we dealt with specific situations. Additionally, we analyze on-field events, discussing players' strengths and techniques. It's crucial for viewers to understand what happens during a match, how players execute particular shots, and the angles bowlers use. This perspective not only enriches the viewing experience but also aids young players in learning the game," Pujara explained.