Former India cricketer Madan Lal congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on becoming India's youngest international cricketer, saying the teenager earned his debut through outstanding IPL performances. Lal expressed hope that Sooryavanshi develops into a generational batter in the mould of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Record-breaking debut
Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to represent India across formats, as well as the youngest debutant from a Test-playing nation in T20I history. He was included in India's playing XI for the second T20I against England in Manchester on Saturday at 15 years and 99 days.
He made an entertaining start, smashing 14 off 10 balls with two sixes before being stumped off Will Jacks.
Madan Lal's praise
"I would like to congratulate him on breaking Sachin's record, for making his debut at such a young age. He effectively forced his selection through his performance in the IPL," Madan Lal told ANI. "Now that he has made his debut, it is worth noting that international cricket requires a bit more experience. But I wish him all the best. We want him to become a player—much like Virat Kohli or Sachin—who defines an era, someone people eagerly tune in to watch bat."
Coach's pride
Sooryavanshi's childhood coach, Manish Ojha, described the debut as a proud and emotional moment. "Yes, Vaibhav has been given a break today. It is a very proud moment—a moment of great joy for me as a coach—to see that after all his hard work and stellar performances, Vaibhav was first selected for Team India and is now getting the chance to play a match," Ojha told ANI. "He has a long time ahead of him to serve cricket and India. I hope that in the future, he delivers performances that help Team India win matches time and again."
