Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has praised a group of young cricketers lighting up the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), calling them potential future stars for Team India. Speaking on The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri highlighted the fearless approach of rising talents like Ayush Mhatre (Chennai Super Kings), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals), and Punjab Kings’ explosive openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
Shastri impressed by young talent
Shastri was particularly impressed with 17-year-old Mhatre’s explosive debut against Mumbai Indians, calling his strokeplay “unbelievable” and adding that, if nurtured well, Mhatre “can go a long way.” Mhatre, a late replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, made 32 off just 15 balls in his debut match and followed it up with a brisk 30 off 19 in another game.
He also singled out 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made a stunning impression by smashing a six off his very first IPL ball against Lucknow Super Giants. “That would have taken everyone’s breath away,” Shastri said, though he cautioned that the teen would face tougher tests ahead.
Meanwhile, Priyansh Arya has scored 254 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 201.58, including a century, while Prabhsimran Singh has contributed valuable cameos with a strike rate of nearly 170.
IPL’s importance for young talent
Shastri emphasised that the IPL has become a powerful launchpad for raw Indian talent, while urging selectors to back in-form players and fast-track those who show promise. “If he’s hot and confident… pick him,” he urged, pointing to India’s increasingly deep white-ball talent pool.
With a blend of raw power, composure, and aggressive intent, the next generation of Indian cricket stars may already be making their mark one fearless knock at a time.
(With ANI Inputs)