The cricketing world is still buzzing after the unforgettable scenes at Harare Sports Club, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in Under-19 World Cup history. His breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final was not just a match-winning knock — it was a statement that announced the arrival of a once-in-a-generation talent.
At only 14 years old, the Bihar-born prodigy tore apart England’s U19 bowling attack with 15 towering sixes, producing an innings that defied the pressure and seriousness of a World Cup final. Naturally, one question has dominated conversations among fans and experts alike:
Why isn’t Vaibhav Sooryavanshi already part of India’s senior men’s team?
The answer lies not in form, ability, or opportunity — but in ICC regulations.
The ICC Rule Blocking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Senior Debut
Despite his historic achievements, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is currently ineligible to play international cricket for India due to the ICC’s Minimum Age Policy.
Introduced in 2020, the regulation was designed to protect the mental and physical well-being of young cricketers. According to this rule:
- A player must be at least 15 years old to participate in international cricket.
Vaibhav was born on 27 March 2011. When he played the Under-19 World Cup final in February 2026, he was just 14 years old, making him too young to represent India at the senior international level.
Too Young for Seniors, Too Advanced for Under-19 Cricket
In a rare and ironic situation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also outgrown the Under-19 setup.
The BCCI follows a strict “One-Tournament” policy for the Under-19 World Cup. This rule exists to prevent players from becoming age-group specialists and to ensure a continuous flow of fresh talent.
Because of this policy:
- Vaibhav, after winning the 2026 Under-19 World Cup
- And being named Player of the Tournament
- Cannot participate in the 2028 or 2030 Under-19 World Cups, even though he will still be under 19.
This leaves him in a unique space — dominant at youth level, yet age-restricted from international cricket.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Rise
The excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is fully justified, given the staggering list of records he has broken within a single year.
Major Records and Milestones
- Boundary Milestone: First player to hit 100 career sixes in Youth ODIs
- Domestic T20 Record: Youngest player to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (108* unbeaten)
- Youth Test Record: India’s fastest Youth Test century (58 balls)
- Youth ODI Velocity: Fastest Youth ODI century by an Indian (52 balls vs England U19)
- India A History: First-ever T20 centurion for India A, scoring 100 off 32 balls against UAE
- IPL Milestone: Youngest IPL centurion at 14 years and 32 days for Rajasthan Royals
- List-A Brilliance: Youngest-ever List-A centurion at 14 years and 272 days
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: Fastest 150 ever — 150 off 59 balls
- Under-19 World Cup Sixes Record: 30 sixes in the 2026 tournament
- U19 World Cup Final Record: Highest score in a final — 175 vs England
Each of these achievements reinforces why Vaibhav is viewed as a generational batting phenomenon.
Where the ‘Sooryavanshi Storm’ Currently Stands
For now, the Sooryavanshi Storm is restricted to:
- Domestic cricket
- Franchise leagues
- India A fixtures
However, this phase is temporary.
Once Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turns 15 in late 2026, the ICC age barrier will be lifted — opening the door to India’s senior team. At that point, it will only be a matter of time before his name appears on the back of the blue jersey at the highest level.
Final Word
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not missing from India’s senior squad because of lack of readiness — he’s missing because of rules designed to protect young talent. Until the age barrier lifts, cricket fans will have to enjoy his dominance in domestic and franchise cricket.
✅FAQs
❓Why can’t Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play for India’s senior team?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is below the ICC’s minimum age requirement of 15 years for international cricket.
❓What is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s age?
He was born on 27 March 2011 and was 14 years old during the 2026 Under-19 World Cup.
❓Can Vaibhav play another Under-19 World Cup?
No. Due to the BCCI’s one-tournament policy, he cannot play in the 2028 or 2030 editions despite being under 19.
❓When will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi be eligible for international cricket?
He will become eligible after turning 15 in late 2026.
India Vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Live Updates: South Africa Won by 51 Runs
December 11, 2025
India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match (India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team): The IND Vs SA 2nd T20I of the ongoing five-match series unfolds today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, where both India and South Africa enter the contest with contrasting motivations. After a commanding 101-run victory in
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I Preview: India Eye Series Edge as South Africa Seek Strong Comeback
December 11, 2025
The rapid turnaround between fixtures gives India and South Africa barely any time to reset as they arrive in Chandigarh for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I. With both teams stepping into the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium under tight scheduling, the focus shifts instantly from Cuttack’s outcome to Wednesday’s crucial face-off. IND Vs SA 2nd T20I – Team News India
IND Vs SA 2nd T20I: Chandigarh Set for a High-Voltage Clash
December 10, 2025
As India and South Africa gear up for the IND Vs SA 2nd T20I, the tight scheduling leaves both teams with barely any time to regroup after the dramatic first match in Cuttack. Having only just arrived in Chandigarh, preparation time at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is minimal ahead of the December 11 clash. A Rapid-Fire Schedule Leaves No
ICC Ranking Update: Rohit Sharma Stays on Top, Kohli Rises Fast
December 10, 2025
In a recent update to the ICC Rankings, Indian cricket maintains its lead in the ODI batting standings, with Rohit Sharma securely holding the world No.1 spot, while Virat Kohli has jumped two positions to regain the No.2 ranking. The two giants of Indian cricket have shown outstanding performance in recent series, narrowing the difference between them to merely eight
ICC Ranking Update: Virat Kohli Climbs to No. 2, Inches Closer to Rohit Sharma’s Top Spot
December 10, 2025
India’s star batter Virat Kohli has taken a significant leap in the ICC Ranking, rising two places to claim the No. 2 spot in the latest ODI rankings for batters. After a stellar performance in the recently concluded India vs South Africa ODI series, Kohli now stands just eight rating points behind Rohit Sharma, the current No. 1 ICC Ranking:
IND Vs SA T20I Live Score Updates: South Africa Win Toss In Cuttack, Opt To Bowl First. IND-175/6
December 9, 2025
Here are the full IND Vs SA T20I live updates, anticipated XIs, toss information, pitch evaluation, and early match highlights based exclusively on the details given In a much- awaited encounter, the 2024 T20 World Cup contenders meet again as India and South Africa kick off their five-match series on Tuesday (December 9) in Cuttack. The series represents an important
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Groups, Dates, Venues and Match Timings Released
December 7, 2025
FIFA has officially unveiled the complete match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The upcoming edition will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and featuring 104 matches across 16 venues. The tournament begins on June 11,
History Made! Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s World Record With 20th Player of the Series Award
December 7, 2025
In a landmark moment for cricket, Kohli has surpassed one of the biggest world records held by Sachin Tendulkar, becoming the first cricketer in men’s international cricket to win 20 Player of the Series (POTS) awards. The milestone came after his exceptional performance in the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. Kohli Creates Global Record, Surpasses Tendulkar’s Legendary
Yashasvi Jaiswal Enters India’s Three-Format Centurions Club
December 7, 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal Excels With First ODI Century Against South Africa Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased a remarkable performance in the third ODI versus South Africa, joining the ranks of only six Indians to achieve centuries in all three international formats. His first ODI century, an unscathed 116, propelled India to a decisive series-winning victory in Visakhapatnam. Pursuing a goal of 271, India
Quinton de Kock Creates History: South African Star Levels Sachin Tendulkar in Major ODI Charts
December 6, 2025
South Africa opener Quinton de Kock produced another masterclass in Visakhapatnam, smashing his seventh ODI century against India, and rewriting multiple major records in the process. His remarkable 106-run knock not only turned the momentum in the third ODI but also placed him alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket. Quinton de Kock’s 7th ODI Hundred vs India: