India's cricket future is bright with openers like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Sanath Jayasuriya

Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya has expressed confidence in India's cricket future, singling out young openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as bright prospects for the nation. Jayasuriya made these remarks at a launch event in Gurugram on September 20, 2026, highlighting the exceptional performances of both players in recent domestic and international cricket.

Abhishek Sharma has made a striking impact in India's T20I cricket. On September 17, 2026, Sharma scored 108 off

34 balls against Afghanistan in the third T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. His century came off just 30 balls, making it the third-fastest hundred in men's T20I cricket and the quickest by a batter from a Full Member nation. During his explosive innings, Sharma struck nine fours and 11 sixes.

“He is a player who has established himself in the team. He knows how important his place is and (he is) for the team, what he needs for the team. And he has given his best shot. So, the players individually, if you mention, everyone wants to do well for their country. And so these are the players, young players who are in India, so that’s a good future for India cricket.” Jayasuriya said on the sidelines of the launch of the Corporate World Cup in Gurgaon on Sunday, September 20.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive T20I century against Afghanistan

Sharma's century demonstrated the explosive batting talent emerging in Indian cricket. His strike rate of over 300 and the sheer number of boundaries struck underlined his aggressive approach to the shortest format. The 30-ball century placed him among the elite performers in T20I history, a remarkable achievement for a young player establishing himself in international cricket.

Regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Jayasuriya described him as “definitely exciting for the future for India cricket” but emphasised the need for continued dedication.

“He has a long way to go, and he needs to work hard. And hope he will deliver for India,” the former Sri Lanka head coach mentioned.

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Sooryavanshi made his international debut in the T20I tour of England. The 15-year-old had a tough time on the tour, but he won the Player of the Series award in the subsequent three T20Is against Zimbabwe. During the series against Afghanistan Sooryavanshi had to warm the bench as India decided to open with Abhishek and Sanju Samson. However, the teenager will get his chances going forward.