Jofra Archer tipped to test red-hot Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in England T20Is
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes England will struggle to contain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the upcoming T20I series, although he feels Jofra Archer could prove to be the teenager's toughest test.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be India's biggest weapon in the upcoming T20I series against England, but says Jofra Archer is the one bowler capable of troubling the teenage batting sensation.
Sooryavanshi is yet to make his international debut, but the 15-year-old has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. After a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, the Rajasthan Royals opener earned his maiden India call-up, with many expecting him to make his debut in the five-match T20I series against England.
India head into the series looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Ireland, a result that came only months after their T20 World Cup triumph. The loss has intensified scrutiny over the team's selection, with many questioning why Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his first international cap despite producing one of the greatest seasons by a batter in IPL history.
Swann believes England will have little idea of how to contain the left-handed opener, whose fearless approach has overwhelmed bowling attacks over the past two IPL seasons. While video analysis has become an integral part of international cricket, the former off-spinner said Sooryavanshi's explosive style makes him an exceptionally difficult batter to plan against.
"It's hard to prepare for a player like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is still new to international cricket, but he has already played two IPL seasons. That means there is video footage available. Some of the England bowlers may have bowled to him in the IPL. But the truth is, no one has really had much success against him so far. He has looked almost unplayable," Swann said on JioStar.
ARCHER HOLDS A RARE ADVANTAGE
Despite backing Sooryavanshi to make an immediate impact, Swann feels Archer could hold a slight edge over his England teammates because of their time together at the Rajasthan Royals.
The England fast bowler has watched the youngster from close quarters, shared the dressing room with him, and bowled to him regularly during practice sessions in the IPL. According to Swann, that familiarity could prove invaluable when England attempt to devise plans against one of India's most destructive young batters.
"The one bowler who might have a slight advantage is Jofra Archer. He has seen Sooryavanshi from the dugout, bowled to him in the nets, and watched him closely. He has probably seen more of him than anyone else," Swann added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After bursting onto the scene as one of the youngest players in IPL history, the teenager elevated his game to another level in the 2026 season.
Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals, he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. His unforgettable campaign included a century, five half-centuries, and a record 72 sixes, numbers that underlined both his consistency and extraordinary power-hitting.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be India's biggest weapon in the upcoming T20I series against England, but says Jofra Archer is the one bowler capable of troubling the teenage batting sensation.
Sooryavanshi is yet to make his international debut, but the 15-year-old has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. After a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign, the Rajasthan Royals opener earned his maiden India call-up, with many expecting him to make his debut in the five-match T20I series against England.
India head into the series looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Ireland, a result that came only months after their T20 World Cup triumph. The loss has intensified scrutiny over the team's selection, with many questioning why Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his first international cap despite producing one of the greatest seasons by a batter in IPL history.
Swann believes England will have little idea of how to contain the left-handed opener, whose fearless approach has overwhelmed bowling attacks over the past two IPL seasons. While video analysis has become an integral part of international cricket, the former off-spinner said Sooryavanshi's explosive style makes him an exceptionally difficult batter to plan against.
"It's hard to prepare for a player like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is still new to international cricket, but he has already played two IPL seasons. That means there is video footage available. Some of the England bowlers may have bowled to him in the IPL. But the truth is, no one has really had much success against him so far. He has looked almost unplayable," Swann said on JioStar.
ARCHER HOLDS A RARE ADVANTAGE
Despite backing Sooryavanshi to make an immediate impact, Swann feels Archer could hold a slight edge over his England teammates because of their time together at the Rajasthan Royals.
The England fast bowler has watched the youngster from close quarters, shared the dressing room with him, and bowled to him regularly during practice sessions in the IPL. According to Swann, that familiarity could prove invaluable when England attempt to devise plans against one of India's most destructive young batters.
"The one bowler who might have a slight advantage is Jofra Archer. He has seen Sooryavanshi from the dugout, bowled to him in the nets, and watched him closely. He has probably seen more of him than anyone else," Swann added.
Sooryavanshi's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After bursting onto the scene as one of the youngest players in IPL history, the teenager elevated his game to another level in the 2026 season.
Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals, he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. His unforgettable campaign included a century, five half-centuries, and a record 72 sixes, numbers that underlined both his consistency and extraordinary power-hitting.
