The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken an exceptional step to support 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is set to make his debut with the senior Indian cricket team. Recognizing the immense challenges a young player faces when moving from age-group cricket to the international stage, the board has decided to fund the travel expenses for his parents during his upcoming overseas tours.
Sooryavanshi recently earned his first call-up to India’s T20I squad for tours of Ireland and England. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board's willingness to arrange and fund travel for the teenager’s parents, ensuring he has a familiar support system while adapting to the demands of the senior team environment.
The Remarkable Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
This unprecedented decision follows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise in the cricketing world. The Bihar-born player had a phenomenal IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches. His aggressive batting style, consistency, and ability to dominate experienced bowlers made him a standout performer.
India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, noted that Sooryavanshi had “almost forced” his way into the national team through his sheer volume of runs and impactful performances. While it is not standard practice for players’ families to have their international tour expenses covered by the board, officials believe Sooryavanshi’s case is unique due to his tender age.
A Historic Opportunity
At just 15, Sooryavanshi is among the youngest cricketers ever selected for India’s senior team. The BCCI believes that the presence of his parents will significantly aid him in coping with the intense pressures of international cricket and help him adjust more comfortably to a dressing room filled with seasoned adult professionals.
India’s white-ball tour is scheduled to begin later this month with two T20Is against Ireland, followed by a five-match T20I series in England. If Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is selected in the playing XI, he could potentially make history by becoming India’s youngest men’s international cricketer, a record that has long been associated with legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.