Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ponders Skipping Tests for T20

The T20 Magnet for Young Cricketers

India’s newest sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, made his international debut last week in the second T20I against England. The teenager’s entry into the side has sparked debate about the future of emerging players in a game dominated by short formats. Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star AB de Villiers says the growing draw of T20 cricket may be steering youngsters like Sooryavanshi away from Test cricket.

In a candid interview on the Bombay Sports Exchange Podcast, de Villiers outlined why T20 can feel like a more comfortable option for batters. “From a comfort perspective, it’s much easier,” he explained, noting the brevity of innings, the limited field restrictions in the Powerplay, and the flatter wickets that make scoring smoother. Those conditions, he added, create a “much easier life as a cricketer” compared with the longer format.

First Generation Choosing T20 Over Tests

De Villiers envisions Sooryavanshi as potentially one of the first players of his generation to openly declare his disinterest in Test cricket. “He could become one of the first youngsters to simply say, ‘Sorry, I’m not interested in Test cricket. I’m perfectly happy playing T20 cricket.’” He stressed that the decision should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the young player. “You can’t blame him. Those decisions are made at the top,” he noted, urging administrators to strike a better balance between formats.

The former South Africa captain warned that any path—T20 or Test—will be fraught with obstacles. “He will go through difficult patches. His character will be tested,” de Villiers said. He believes the youngster’s mental strength will be crucial to navigating the inevitable pitfalls of a professional career. The support system around him, he added, will be vital to weathering those storms.

Mentorship and Maturity Matters

De Villiers also highlighted the importance of guidance for a 15‑year‑old still finding his footing. “At 15, you should still be relatively immature—and he probably is,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for good leadership and mentorship. “I hope he has good leadership, guidance and mentorship around him. I also hope he’s open to accepting help along the way because it will be a rocky road.”

Whether Sooryavanshi eventually pursues Test cricket remains uncertain. De Villiers believes the current environment makes T20 the obvious choice, but he also stressed that the sport’s administrators must work harder to keep Tests attractive. For now, the spotlight is on the teenager as he begins a career where format preferences could shape an entire generation’s trajectory.