Cheteshwar Pujara Advocates for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Test Cricket Aspirations

Pujara's Insights on Young Talent

In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his belief that 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should pursue Test cricket if given the right chance. He emphasized that aspiring young players should keep the longer format in their sights.

Sooryavanshi has made headlines as the leading run-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, amassing 404 runs across 10 matches with his dynamic batting style.

As the young cricketer continues to shine in T20 formats, there is increasing enthusiasm among fans and analysts for his inclusion in India's T20I squad.

Pujara acknowledged Sooryavanshi's impressive T20 performance and suggested that if he possesses the necessary talent and opportunity, he should definitely aim for Test cricket. He believes that this format cultivates essential skills, temperament, and respect for the game, which are crucial for every young cricketer.

"Vaibhav is excelling in T20 cricket, and he will certainly get a chance with the Indian team. Whether he transitions to Test cricket remains to be seen. If he has the potential and the right circumstances, he should definitely consider Test cricket, as it builds temperament and respect for the game," Pujara stated during a media interaction on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary.'

While Pujara regards Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport, he also recognizes that white-ball specialists can thrive in their respective formats. He advocated for utilizing players like Sooryavanshi and Shreyas Iyer based on their strengths, supporting the notion of having specialized players for different formats.

"I believe Test cricket is the ultimate format, but that doesn't imply that white-ball specialists lack the ability. Players like Vaibhav and Shreyas Iyer should focus on their respective formats. Different players should be designated for different formats," he remarked.

Additionally, Pujara shared insights about his role as an expert on JioStar's CTV Hindi feed. He compared it to traditional commentary, highlighting how his experience as a player allows him to provide in-depth analysis and storytelling. He explained that his commentary aims to enhance viewers' understanding of the game while offering valuable lessons for aspiring cricketers.

"This is commentary, but it also involves sharing stories from our experiences as players. We analyze on-field situations, player techniques, and strategies, which helps viewers grasp the nuances of the game. It's essential for young players to learn from real match scenarios," Pujara concluded.