Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names in the IPL 2026 season, and the buzz around the 15-year-old from Samastipur in Bihar has only grown louder with each passing match. Left-handed and already making an impact at the highest level, he has also found himself at the centre of attention beyond the playing field, with his performances following him into a wave of endorsements. Yet amid the excitement, former New Zealand speedster Simon Doull has stepped in with a cautionary note—urging that the young batter keep his confidence while being mindful of the “sharks” that can circle bright prospects.
Doull’s concern is aimed less at Sooryavanshi’s talent and more at the people managing his rise. The ex-pacer believes those around the youngster should prioritise his long-term welfare rather than focusing primarily on commercial gains. In Doull’s view, the Rajasthan Royals batter’s stock is climbing quickly, which makes it even more important to ensure the right support system is in place. He pointed out that when a player is already moving towards “superstar” status, the pressure can shift—management interests can begin to multiply, and not all of them will genuinely align with the player’s best interests.
“It’s a word of caution. He is already becoming a bit of a superstar. If things carry on, we all hope he continues to be a superstar—an Indian superstar, particularly in white-ball cricket. The key issue is the people you surround yourself with. He would have had plenty of management companies chasing him, trying to secure deals for themselves,” Doull said on Cricbuzz, highlighting how attention can attract both opportunity and risk.
Doull also addressed the broader role of agencies and management outfits, suggesting that while such groups are meant to look after players, many end up prioritising their own metrics. In his words, the central problem is the question of who is actually serving the youngster’s interests. “Management companies and management people are there to look after you. But too many of them only think about what they can get for themselves. How much can I make from this young man? How much can my company earn from him? That’s the biggest issue with management companies across the world,” he added.
On the field, Sooryavanshi’s start to IPL 2026 has been nothing short of explosive. He has already registered two half-centuries in the ongoing season, continuing the momentum from his previous campaign. Last season, he struck the fastest century by an Indian in the tournament, reaching the milestone off just 35 balls against the Gujarat Titans. This time, his early form has been even more rapid: in IPL 2026, he has notched two half-centuries, both coming off merely 15 balls. However, the streak did not last indefinitely—his first setback in this season arrived on Monday when he was dismissed for a golden duck by Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Praful Hinge.
Doull believes that the next phase of Sooryavanshi’s growth will depend as much on guidance off the pitch as it does on performance during it. The former New Zealand pacer urged the opener to be watchful, saying he “needs to watch out for the sharks” and should surround himself with people who genuinely care about his development. Doull’s point was that management companies may claim to steer careers, but too often they become preoccupied with their own business objectives rather than the player’s long-term trajectory.
“They worry about what they can make, not about how well I should be looking out for this young man. They ask, ‘How much should I be looking out for his career?’ and ‘Should I be pushing him to do much right now?’ Longevity matters. If he stops performing, they’ll move on and chase the next prospect—that’s what managers do,” Doull said.
With Sooryavanshi’s profile rising fast, Doull’s final message was straightforward: be careful about the circle around him. If he has a solid family foundation and the right upbringing, Doull feels he can stay steady—but the warning remains clear. “Just be careful who you surround yourself with. If he’s got a good family and upbringing, he should be okay. But just watch out for the sharks,” he concluded.
