With the Indian Premier League 2026 scheduled to begin in just six days, all eyes are once again on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Rajasthan Royals prodigy, who turns 15 this Friday, returns after a spectacular debut last year when he smashed a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Giants, leaving fans and bowlers stunned. Those innings made him the youngest centurion in IPL history and the fastest Indian to reach three figures, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s record.
Sooryavanshi’s rise has been meteoric. During the IPL mega auction for the 2025 season, he bagged a deal worth Rs 1.1 crore with Rajasthan Royals, making him the youngest player ever signed. Over the past year, he has dominated on every continent, scoring centuries in Australia, South Africa and England. His highlight came in the U-19 World Cup final against England, where he scored 175 goals to win the match off just 80 balls, including 15 fours and six sixes each. His 55-ball century is among the fastest in U-19 World Cup history, helping India lift the trophy for the sixth time.
But as IPL 2026 approaches, Sooryavanshi faces new challenges. It is believed that the bowlers have studied his game and will look to expose his weaknesses. His talent is unquestionable and many see him as a potential pioneer and future legend. However, not everyone is convinced of his professional approach.
Taking to AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Jitesh Sharma, who captained Sooryavanshi during India’s A Asia Cup campaign last year, praised the youngster’s ability but expressed doubts about his off-field habits. “Right now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I feel he can dominate world cricket. He has the number 6 team and a very good skill set,” Sharma said when asked which youngster he would invest in.
De Villiers, who watched Sooryavanshi’s 175-run masterclass in the U-19 World Cup final, was full of admiration. “He is a great player. I saw him at Under-19 level. It is not always easy when you learn the IPL and great cricket and still show the same level. I was very impressed with the way he played in that World Cup. Very professional. He is very mature for his age,” the former South African captain said.
De Villiers added that Sooryavanshi stayed true to his game plan, replicating the approach he used in the IPL, without arrogance or trying to be someone else. “But he will turn professional,” he said.
Sharma, however, was more skeptical. “He’s not professional. I can tell you that. Everyone is trying to make him professional, but I don’t think he will ever be. He may be on the field, but off the field he won’t do it. I’m doing the best I can. I ask him not to eat ice cream at night,” he added.