Chennai Super Kings legend Suresh Raina has praised Rajasthan Royals’ young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, urging that he should make his way into India’s T20I squad sooner rather than later. The former cricketer and analyst described him as an X-factor, recalling Suryavanshi’s century against Gujarat Titans in the IPL and his ton for India’s U19 team in England.
Raina compared the 14-year-old to talents like Rishabh Pant and Rinku Singh, calling him a once-in-a-generation player. He also commended Ayush Mhatre for seizing his chances with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Raina shared these views during an interview on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel on Friday (August 29).
“42:18 – (Who will first make it to the Indian team – Vaibhav or Mhatre)- Vaibhav Suryavanshi. His fearless approach is different. Mhatre is also good, but Vaibhav has X-factor; such talents are rare. He recently scored a ton in England and scored a century in the IPL. It shows this player from Bihar proves – ek Bihari sab pe bhari (One from Bihar is heavier than all)… Nobody knew Samastipur… A player from a village showed his potential.”
“There was a coach from Bihar who told me that he looked after him. Such players come once in a century, whether it’s Rishabh Pant, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, or Rinku Singh… Ayush Mhtare, at the age of 17, right from the very first match [for CSK], whatever he has done [has been impressive],” he added.
The Bihar-born batter starred for India U19, scoring 143 off 78 in a youth ODI series and finishing as the top scorer with 355 runs in five matches. He also made 102 & 32 in Beckenham and 80 & 126 in Chelmsford in two youth Tests. Meanwhile, CSK’s Ayush Mhatre scored 240 runs in seven IPL 2025 innings, including 94 off 48 against RCB.
“Class, Temperament, Awareness”– CSK Legend Backs KL Rahul for T20I Comeback
Suresh Raina also expressed confidence that KL Rahul could return to the T20I side despite being left out of the 2025 Asia Cup. Praising his class, temperament, and cricketing awareness, the former India cricketer added in the same video:
“54:08- (On KL Rahul’s chances in T20Is) He scored the runs. See, KL Rahul has a temperament. People think 20-20 is a very fast game; you need to hit a lot of shots, but the class, temperament, and game awareness he possesses don’t come overnight. He has worked a lot, so I think he will come back.”
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