Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has backed 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of India’s opening T20 match against Ireland. The veteran coach praised the young player’s fearless approach and said that he fully deserves the opportunity to make his international debut.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi recently trained with the senior Indian team ahead of the upcoming two-match T20 series starting on Friday, June 26 in Belfast. If he makes his debut, the left-handed batsman will become the youngest player to represent the Indian men’s team, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
He really deserves this debut – Rajkumar Sharma on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Speaking to ANI, Rajkumar Sharma praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fearless batting and ability to take on top quality bowlers. Sharma said the youngster has earned his opportunity and he wishes him success on his expected international debut.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Vaibhav. He has exceptional talent and he has shown it by facing some of the best bowlers in the world. He really deserves this debut. I am looking forward to it and wish him all the best,” Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.
The Bihar batsman earned his place in the Indian team after a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. He scored 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and an excellent strike rate of 237.30, which included one century and five half-centuries.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi also won the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player awards for his outstanding IPL campaign. He continued that form into the Tri-Nation series and scored 94 runs off just 29 balls in the final against Sri Lanka A.
Such players are born only once in a generation – Rajkumar Sharma on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Rajkumar Sharma said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has inspired many parents to enroll their children in cricket coaching at a very young age. However, he advised them not to rush the process and said that every player develops at a different pace.
“Yes, of course, very young kids have started coming, and their parents want to enroll them. For example, someone brought a 5-year-old kid to me, and I said, ‘No, he is still too young. Let him play now, and enroll him in coaching when he turns 8.’ He asked, ‘If we enroll him at the age of 8, how will he become like Vaibhav Suryavanshi?’ People’s expectations have definitely increased because a youngster has performed so well. But such players are born only once in a generation,” he said.
India will begin their two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, June 26, with the second match taking place on June 28. India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shared an official update on the possible debut of Vaibhav Suryavanshi against Ireland.
I have full hope that he will be fit – Rajkumar Sharma on Virat Kohli’s recovery
Rajkumar Sharma expressed confidence that Virat Kohli will fully recover from his hamstring injury before India’s ODI series against England. He said that Kohli has already reported to the BCCI Center of Excellence and is expected to return after getting medical clearance.
Rajkumar Sharma said, “Definitely, he went to the Center of Excellence, so whatever report will come from there. I am fully hopeful that he is fit and will be fit for that series.”
Sharma also backed Kohli to bounce back with the same commitment and intensity that has defined his career. He said that the former India captain has always maintained high standards and is hopeful that he will do the same after recovering from injury.
He said, “The intensity with which Virat plays all his matches, I fully expect him to play with even more intensity. That’s what he has always done; he will not leave his routine. He always gives 100 per cent on the field and I am hopeful that he will give even more 100 per cent.”