Rajasthan Royals’ young batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been turning heads since breaking into the spotlight, and even one of the game’s most respected figures is struggling to contain his praise. His head coach, Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, has suggested the 15-year-old is already operating at a higher level than he ever did at a similar stage.
Quick facts
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is 15 years old.
- Kumar Sangakkara is the head coach of Rajasthan Royals and has spoken about Sooryavanshi.
- Sangakkara said Sooryavanshi is a better batter than he was.
- Sangakkara described his approach as gentle guidance rather than constant advice.
- Sangakkara said he avoids long conversations and keeps chats largely away from cricket.
- Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 run includes 486 runs in 12 innings so far.
- His strike rate is nearly 235.
Sangakkara, widely celebrated as one of the greatest wicket-keeper batters in the history of the sport, explained that his support for Sooryavanshi is measured and purposeful. Instead of hovering with continuous instructions, he prefers light touches and reassurance, keeping the youngster focused on the essentials.
Speaking on how he manages the communication, Sangakkara said the teenager is naturally inquisitive, but that he takes care not to stretch conversations too long. The message is simple: relax, play your shots, and let the preparation do its work.
He added that if they do talk, it often drifts into areas beyond cricket. Sangakkara also stressed that he does not believe Sooryavanshi needs a “fatherly” role from him, insisting the player is already far beyond where Sangakkara felt he was at the same age.
On the match-prep front, Sangakkara outlined the practical content of their conversations. He said that during training, they discuss how opposing bowlers might approach, including specific threats such as the short ball and the swinging yorker—deliveries that can unsettle batters if they’re not ready.
Once those possibilities are mapped out, the coaching emphasis shifts to commitment. Sangakkara’s view is that the batter must decide an option and commit fully to it, rather than wavering once the ball is in motion.
Just as importantly, Sangakkara highlighted the mindset Sooryavanshi brings to batting. In his view, the youngster looks at batting the way a genuine 15-year-old should—enjoying the process, staying deeply engaged, and putting in long hours at the crease.
That enthusiasm, Sangakkara said, is paired with genuine understanding of the game. He believes Sooryavanshi’s approach is not just about aimless hitting, but about reading what’s happening and adjusting accordingly.
Sooryavanshi’s form backs up the hype: he has enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, accumulating 486 runs in 12 innings so far at a strike rate close to 235.
