Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Cricket Journey

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his support for young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, advocating for his entry into Test cricket. Sooryavanshi, who made headlines by scoring 776 runs in IPL 2026, has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. Ashwin, recently honored as one of the greatest cricketers of the 21st century, shared his thoughts on the challenges young players face in pursuing traditional formats. He reflected on his own illustrious career, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of cricket. Discover more about Ashwin's insights and career milestones in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 5, 2026, 18:04 IST

Ashwin's Support for Young Talent

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricket star, has expressed his belief that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should take up Test cricket. Sooryavanshi has made a significant impact in competitive cricket, scoring 776 runs in IPL 2026 while playing for the Rajasthan Royals, earning him the prestigious Orange Cap.

At the Cricinfo Honours Awards 2026, where Ashwin was recognized as one of the 25 'Greatest Men's International Cricketers of the 21st Century', he shared his thoughts on Sooryavanshi's potential path in cricket.

"I genuinely think he should pursue Test cricket. If we consider the broader interests of the sport, I believe it's essential. However, can we truly teach children what they are not inclined to learn? It's a challenge. The current environment influences these decisions, and sometimes it's wise to heed what the game suggests," Ashwin remarked.

He further elaborated, "You can't impose a specific aspect of the game. While Test cricket is the ultimate form, my experience in grassroots coaching shows that young players are not eager to engage in red-ball cricket. They often want to quickly learn the shots that will help them avoid trouble after defending a few deliveries."

Celebrating Ashwin's Career Achievements

During the same event, Ashwin was honored with a ranking of 25th among the greatest men's international cricketers of the 21st century.

He concluded his international career in December 2024, amassing 765 wickets across all formats, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for India, trailing only Anil Kumble, who has 953.

In Test cricket, Ashwin's 537 wickets also place him second behind Kumble's 619.

Notably, Ashwin is the only player in Test history to have scored more than five centuries (6) while also taking over 500 wickets.

He ranks just behind Ian Botham (5) for achieving a Test century and a five-wicket haul in the same match, having accomplished this feat four times.