'Let Him Grow': Ajinkya Rahane Backs Vaibhav Suryavanshi After Zimbabwe Success

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken a breather after making waves during the tour to Zimbabwe. Vaibhav will soon be taking part in the Duleep Trophy 2026. According to the former Indian batting legend Ajinkya Rahane, one should not take anything seriously regarding the talks that concern the future of Vaibhav in test cricket. For now, the young kid should be allowed to develop in his own pace. There are many differences between the IPL and international cricket.

Vaibhav’s international career so far has had its ups and downs. Vaibhav had a poor performance during his first tour to England, but he bounced back impressively in the T20 International series against Zimbabwe.

? AJINKYA RAHANE ON VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI ?

?️ "International cricket is not the IPL. Vaibhav is a talented player, but he needs time to adjust. Don't judge him after a few matches or put unnecessary pressure on him. Let him learn, grow, and develop at his own pace."

Patience… pic.twitter.com/Mira9ijp6Y

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— Spotlight Central (@avbvikash1810) August 5, 2026

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Ajinkya Rahane said that it's difficult to comment on Vaibhav right now. He said, "There's no pressure on this young kid, as people are already talking a lot about him. It's only been two IPL seasons."

? IPL SUCCESS DOESN'T GUARANTEE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS ?

?️: Ajinkya Rahane shows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the mirror. He says IPL and international cricket are completely different, where every weakness gets exposed.

Talent alone isn't enough - success at the highest level… pic.twitter.com/Gv7LaRR908 — Sam (@cricsam02) August 5, 2026

He said, "I've realized that the IPL and international cricket are completely different, because when you represent your country, the pressure is immense. Chasing 70 runs in four or five overs in the IPL is easy. Chasing the same number of runs in international cricket is a different story. So, just let him play his game and let him grow."

Suryavanshi received his first call-up for Team India after the IPL 2026 season. He was selected for the Ireland and England tours, but was benched during the tour. Following Sanju Samson's poor performance, he earned his England debut. He struggled during the tour, scoring 14, 13, and 15 runs in three T20 Internationals.

An incredibly special moment in the #TeamIndia camp today ??

? Presenting T20I cap no. 122, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ?#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/hvOZdSN3Ow — BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2026

Suryavanshi made a remarkable comeback, overcoming the disappointment of the England tour with a match-winning performance against Zimbabwe. He began the three-match T20 International series with a half-century, scored 20 runs in the second game, and then played an explosive innings of 81 runs off 49 balls in the final match. India swept the series 3-0. Vaibhav scored 151 runs at an average of 50.33, earning the Player of the Series award.