Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15, is making a striking case for being the next major name in Indian cricket. In IPL 2026, the Rajasthan Royals opener has piled up big contributions early, posting two half-centuries at a run rate that has grabbed attention in a hurry. His batting returns so far read 52, 31, 39 and 78, with the teenager showing little sign of nerves even against elite operators.
Quick facts
- Player: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (15), Rajasthan Royals opener
- IPL 2026 form: two half-centuries in 15 balls
- Scores listed: 52, 31, 39, 78
- Notable names faced (as mentioned): Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Four matches: 200 runs, average 50.00, strike rate 266.66
- Best score: 78; includes eight fours and seven sixes
The way he has gone after top-tier bowlers has been a key storyline. In particular, he has been described as comfortable versus pace threats such as Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood, along with India stalwart Bhuvneshwar Kumar, suggesting his intent is not limited to weaker matchups.
However, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard struck a note of caution about what can happen once opposition plans sharpen. He warned that young players can quickly disappear if they are not given enough backing after a few quiet outings, especially when bowlers start to find patterns to exploit.
Pollard reflected on the pressures of early career growth, saying that at 15 he was still in school and playing club cricket, unsure whether cricket would ever become a full profession. He also highlighted how exciting it is to see a youngster “taking the world by storm,” while stressing that hype-driven attention can fade just as quickly.
His larger point was about avoiding the trap of abandoning a talented batter after short spells of failure. Pollard said the biggest fear is that teams and fans may run with the buzz, then reduce the opportunity once opposition figures the player out—only for the youngster to be pushed aside instead of supported.
78 the latest statement
Sooryavanshi’s tournament numbers underline why the chatter has grown louder. Across four matches, he has scored 200 runs at an average of 50.00, striking at 266.66, with two fifties and a highest score of 78. His most recent innings came as a fast, high-impact knock of 78 off 26 balls.
That 78 included eight boundaries in the form of fours and seven sixes, reflecting a willingness to attack from the outset. It also pointed to a controlled aggression rather than reckless hitting, with the innings described as blistering and built around power and timing.
Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim praised the innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as an “astounding display.” He suggested it looks like a new chapter for Vaibhav, framing the knock as evidence of talent paired with confident shot selection and a more mature approach for someone so young.
Karim noted that Sooryavanshi appeared comfortable whether the ball was coming at pace or being delivered with quality spin. He said the batter showed scoring options across the ground, building an attack rather than relying on one narrow style.
Karim further explained that after an aggressive start in the Powerplay, it seemed as though Sooryavanshi was building toward a century. He pointed to the way the opener began rotating the strike and searching for singles, even though the milestone did not arrive—while concluding that the mindset behind the innings looked solid.
