Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the young cricketing sensation who recently played a pivotal role in India's Under-19 World Cup victory in Zimbabwe and Namibia, has made a significant lifestyle decision to advance his professional career. Currently training at the Rajasthan Royals camp in preparation for IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has overhauled his dietary habits to align with his dream of wearing the senior Indian team jersey. His primary objective isn't only to maintain consistency in domestic cricket but also to secure a spot in the Indian squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup. To achieve this, he has prioritized peak physical fitness, leading him to renounce non-vegetarian food entirely.
Strategic Shift in Dietary Habits for Peak Fitness
The primary driver behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's decision is the increasing physical demand of international cricket. Selection for the Indian senior team currently requires clearing the Yo-Yo test and maintaining high levels of physical endurance, while according to sources close to the player, he realized that as an athlete, controlling one's diet is essential for longevity and injury prevention. Consequently, he has replaced heavy protein sources like mutton and chicken with a lighter, more digestible vegetarian diet. This decision comes at a crucial juncture in his career as he approaches the age of 15, the minimum age required by the ICC to play senior international cricket.
Insights from Father Sanjeev Sooryavanshi on Lifestyle Changes
Vaibhav's father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, confirmed the transition, stating that his son has completely given up non-vegetarian food as a mark of dedication to his fitness. According to the senior Sooryavanshi, Vaibhav was previously very fond of mutton and chicken and consumed them regularly. However, when the goal shifted toward representing the national team, Vaibhav didn't hesitate to sacrifice his culinary preferences. His daily diet now primarily consists of dal, rice, and paneer-based dishes. His father noted that Vaibhav is now fully committed to vegetarianism, focusing solely on how he can enhance his physical capabilities for the challenges ahead.
Coaching Perspective on Potential Senior Team Debut
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's coach, Manish Ojha, has shared an optimistic outlook regarding the player's future trajectory. According to the coach, the intensity with which Vaibhav is training at the Rajasthan Royals camp, combined with his technical refinements, has Notably brightened his prospects for a senior team call-up. Manish Ojha claimed that following the IPL 2026 season, Vaibhav might receive an opportunity to join India's T20 squad. The coach believes that Vaibhav's batting style is perfectly suited for the requirements of modern T20 cricket and that his new fitness regime will also benefit him in longer formats of the game.
Compliance with ICC Age Regulations for International Cricket
According to the regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), a player must be at least 15 years old to represent a senior national team in international matches. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to reach this age milestone shortly. He's currently utilizing his time at the Rajasthan Royals facility to sharpen his skills, aiming to attract the attention of national selectors through strong performances in upcoming IPL seasons. If he manages to prove his mettle in IPL 2026, the likelihood of his inclusion in the Indian squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup is expected to increase Importantly.
Preparation with Rajasthan Royals for Upcoming IPL Seasons
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is presently undergoing rigorous training at the Rajasthan Royals' high-performance center. Here, he's focusing not only on the technical nuances of his batting but also on adhering to his new dietary plan under the guidance of the team's strength and conditioning coaches. The Rajasthan Royals camp provides him with world-class facilities and the opportunity to interact with experienced players, which is instrumental in his mental and physical development. Vaibhav's entire focus is now concentrated on the upcoming domestic season and the IPL to ensure he's ready when the opportunity to play for the senior Indian team arises.