Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batting prodigy, has quickly turned into one of the most talked-about names in Indian cricket after standout performances at the Under-19 World Cup and in the IPL 2026. The left-handed batter’s place among the top five on the Orange Cap list has only intensified the excitement around him. Yet the latest buzz didn’t start on a cricket field—it began at a media interaction involving Paris Olympics bronze medallist Manu Bhaker, when Sooryavanshi’s name came up unexpectedly, triggering sharp reactions online.
Manu Bhaker’s remarks at the NRAI 75th celebrations
The entire episode unfolded during the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) 75th anniversary celebrations. Bhaker, herself a young achiever, was asked about another youngster, Vaibhav. Speaking alongside reporters on Monday, she emphasised the importance of maturity, guidance, and the environment around an athlete—stressing that age should not restrict talent.
- Bhaker said that with strong mentorship, a supportive surrounding group, and positive people around a young player, age becomes “just a number.”
- She added that talent has no age limits, arguing that breakthroughs can happen at 60 as well as at six.
- She concluded that if the guidance is right and the player is coached properly, there is a strong chance of becoming the next big star.
Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics—one in the 10m pistol event and another in the 10m pistol mixed team—did not show visible frustration while responding. Still, the internet response was swift, with many users questioning why an Olympic medallist was asked about a cricketer when, in their view, the question was unnecessary.
Online backlash and accusations of unequal respect for sports
While Bhaker appeared composed, social media users—particularly on X (formerly Twitter)—poured out anger and fury. A common theme in the backlash was a claim that the Olympic winner was not treated with enough respect. The broader debate that followed also reopened a familiar argument: whether cricket in India receives a more privileged platform than other sports.
- Users criticised the premise of tying an Olympic champion’s media moment to a discussion about a cricketer.
- Others argued that such incidents reflect a wider pattern—non-cricket disciplines are often treated as less important.
- The question about Sooryavanshi became a trigger point for allegations of cricket receiving preferential attention.
Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains at the centre of attention
Sooryavanshi’s name surfaced because his profile has been rising at a pace few expected. Since his IPL debut last year, the youngster has dominated cricket conversations. He announced himself on the biggest stage by smashing a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans. His momentum continued in youth cricket as well, where he represented India in the Under-19 World Cup for a year and finished the campaign with a remarkable 175-run knock in the final, helping India lift the trophy.
In the IPL 2026, he has started in emphatic fashion. Across eight matches, he has compiled 357 runs, including two fifties and one century. Last week, he struck again—this time reaching a three-figure score against Sunrisers Hyderabad off just 36 balls. That innings also earned praise from SRH captain Pat Cummins, who called the youngster his “new favourite cricketer.”
IPL contract, India debut hopes, and the Ireland series window
Sooryavanshi’s IPL journey has also been closely followed by fans and franchises alike. The Rajasthan Royals bought him for INR 1.10 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, and since then the chatter around his future has only grown louder.
- Sooryavanshi was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore before the IPL 2025 season.
- There is rising pressure on the selectors to give him a chance to make his India debut.
- Reports suggest he could be considered for the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland.
With his domestic and youth impact already established—and his IPL numbers continuing to climb—Sooryavanshi’s presence in any conversation about Indian sport is unlikely to fade anytime soon, even when the discussion begins far from the boundary.
