Graeme Smith has endorsed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a standout talent in IPL 2026, hinting at a potential rise to stardom for the young cricketer. The former South African captain has placed Sooryavanshi in the same league as renowned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing the excitement surrounding his early displays.
Sooryavanshi, aged just 15, has quickly become a notable figure in the current season for Rajasthan Royals due to his bold approach at the crease. Smith, in a blog post, praised the youngster for capturing attention despite the presence of seasoned stars in the tournament.
Speaking about Sooryavanshi, Smith remarked, “While it’s always intriguing to watch established stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this young talent from Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, is someone to keep an eye on in the initial weeks of the competition.” Smith expressed his anticipation to witness Sooryavanshi’s progress, believing he has the potential to become a major sensation throughout the tournament.
The acclaim reflects the significant impact Sooryavanshi has made in a short period across various formats. His aggressive batting style and fearless intent have stood out in IPL 2026, particularly against strong bowling line-ups, showcasing his willingness to take on challenges.
Sooryavanshi’s statistics tell a compelling story, having amassed 122 runs in his first three matches at an impressive average of over 40, with a striking strike rate approaching 250. Notably, his runs have predominantly come through boundaries, with 10 fours and 11 sixes, often dictating the pace during powerplay overs.
His quickfire 39 off 14 balls against Mumbai Indians in Guwahati, where he took on Jasprit Bumrah in the opening over by smashing two massive sixes, exemplified his fearless attitude. Earlier in the season, Sooryavanshi made headlines with a rapid 15-ball fifty, highlighting his ability to impact games within a short span.
For more IPL 2026 updates, including the schedule, points table, player stats, and video highlights, visit the official IPL page.