Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise in IPL 2026—and his broader journey in Indian cricket—has taken on an increasingly compelling storyline. Back in IPL 2025, he was largely seen as an unknown quantity. Everything changed quickly, though: during a match for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans, he struck a breathtaking century off just 35 balls in only his third appearance, becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. With that innings, Sooryavanshi went from relative obscurity to a name that fans now discuss on a weekly basis. This season, he has looked even more dependable, with scores of 52, 31, 39, 78, 0 and 46 so far. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are positioned among the top three teams on the points table, reinforcing that his personal momentum is aligning with team success. Sooryavanshi has also spoken about wanting to close out games for RR, underlining that his ambition is not just to start well, but to finish strong.
RR have played six matches so far and have already lost two. Their most recent setback came against Kolkata Knight Riders. After that defeat, Sooryavanshi was seen looking visibly upset and frustrated, his emotions plain for all to see. In the aftermath, Romni Bhinder, the Rajasthan Royals manager, was caught handing him a phone as the young batter appeared disappointed before heading back to the dressing room. The moment captured on camera showed a teenager processing the loss intensely, even as his performances have continued to draw attention. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was crying and frustrated on a call with his parents after losing the match against KKR.
Sooryavanshi’s impact has also reached the dressing rooms of other franchises. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer lavished praise on the RR opener, describing him as a “spectacular talent” following his impressive displays in IPL 2026. Iyer shared his thoughts on JioStar’s show Believe after PBKS secured a commanding 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants, and he used the opportunity to highlight how much potential he sees in the 15-year-old. While discussing emerging young players in the league, Iyer pointed specifically to Sooryavanshi’s batting craft—his technique and the calm he shows once he gets set at the crease. In Iyer’s view, the teenager’s natural ability is what separates him from others at a comparable stage of development.
The PBKS captain also noted details that suggest a strong base for long-term growth: the youngster’s batting rhythm and his pre-delivery movement. Those elements, Iyer argued, provide a foundation that can help him become a more reliable performer at the highest level as the years go by. “He is a spectacular talent, and all the adjectives would pretty much fall short for him. The way he has that bat flow, the rhythm and momentum he creates before the delivery – I think he is one for the future,” Iyer said. In the current campaign, Sooryavanshi has hammered 246 runs across six matches at a strike rate of 236.53, figures that underline both his explosiveness and his ability to score at speed.
Iyer’s conversation then broadened beyond individual praise, turning to the culture inside the Punjab Kings squad and the way he supports younger batters. He spoke about his interactions with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, stressing that the best way to nurture talent is to encourage players to stick to what comes naturally rather than forcing them into someone else’s style. He described the team environment as something that is actively built through togetherness—spending time in the team room before and after matches, and also when the schedule provides off days. “We have a team room, which is probably there for every team. We try to spend a lot of time together there, before and after games, and whenever we have off days. We come together and build that bond,” Iyer said.
According to Iyer, the central message he repeats to the young players is simple: be yourself. “Whenever I speak to them, my only message is: just be yourself. Don’t try to emulate, mimic, or be someone else.” He added that when youngsters play with fearlessness and flair in their own way, they don’t need to mirror anyone else’s approach. Iyer also explained how reinforcing confidence can translate into match-winning contributions, particularly for Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya. “When you are playing at this level and you are fearless and flamboyant in your own way, you don’t have to resemble or copy anyone. When you tell these guys that they are match-winners – both Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya – it instils confidence in them. They can just go out there and play freely. They have been delivering for us, and hopefully, they continue to do so.”
