Cricket circles are abuzz after Saba Karim, the ex-Indian gloveman, passionately advocated for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s swift entry into the national setup. The southpaw’s U19 exploits—unbeaten knocks of 72, 40, and 52 in World Cup 2026 prep matches—have sealed the deal for Karim.
‘Pure talent. His batting is a delight. Time to fast-track him to India colors,’ Karim asserted.
Multiple stakeholders are fueling his ascent: state units, BCCI’s elite training hub, and IPL heavyweights Rajasthan Royals. ‘The ecosystem is robust. Expect him in the seniors very soon,’ Karim foresaw.
No discussion of Suryavanshi skips his IPL 2025 stunner. For RR against GT, he unfurled a 35-ball century at 14 years and 32 days, youngest in history and second-fastest, behind Gayle’s iconic 30-ball ton for RCB vs Pune in 2013.
Amid T20 World Cup hype starting February 7 across India-Sri Lanka, Karim remained bullish. ‘T20 and white-ball prowess is unmatched; victory is ours. Tests need work.’
Karim’s endorsement spotlights Suryavanshi as a prodigy poised to redefine Indian batting’s youth infusion.