Dravid Says Sooryavanshi Needs More Red-Ball Cricket Before Tests
· Sports · Times of India, Indian Express, NDTV Sports
Rahul Dravid said 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has not played as much red-ball cricket as white-ball cricket and needs a carefully managed pathway toward a possible Test career. Sooryavanshi, who had a breakthrough IPL 2025 season and made his T20I debut in England in June, is set to return to red-ball cricket with East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. His first-class record remains modest, averaging 17.25 from 12 Ranji Trophy Plate League innings across three stints, with domestic campaigns interrupted by India U19 duties. Dravid, who coached Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan Royals, said the teenager must be given enough red-ball opportunities within the domestic system. He also urged that the fast-rising player be allowed time to develop rather than judged solely on early white-ball success. The Duleep Trophy stint offers Sooryavanshi a sustained chance to build red-ball experience.
Why it matters
Dravid's assessment sets expectations for Sooryavanshi's development as India seek players who can succeed across all formats, especially in Test cricket. The teenager's progression will influence how the BCCI manages his workload and when, if ever, he graduates to longer-format international duty.
Read the original report — Times of India
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