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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to dominate headlines with his fearless batting in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The 15-year-old sensation has stunned the cricketing world by taking apart some of the biggest names in international cricket, including Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
After smashing a 35-ball century in IPL 2025, Sooryavanshi has continued his explosive form this season, scoring 404 runs in 10 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 237.65. His remarkable rise recently became a major topic of discussion among former England cricketers.
Michael Vaughan & Alastair Cook hail Sooryavanshi’s explosive rise
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was left amazed by the youngster’s six-hitting ability and questioned whether Sooryavanshi is currently the best power-hitter in world cricket.
"This kid, right? So, Chris Gayle's got the fastest IPL hundred - right, 30 balls. This kid has already hit a 100 off 35 balls and a 100 in 36 balls. The most sixes by any Indian batter in a single edition is 42 by Abhishek Sharma in 2024. This kid is on 37 now. Is he the best six-hitter in the world right now?" Vaughan asked.
Former England skipper Alastair Cook also praised the youngster and questioned how any franchise could afford to lose him in future IPL auctions.
"Yes. But what did he go for? What did they sign him for as a 14-year-old? Will that not be the best value for money ever? I thought he signed a two-year deal. How much is he going to go for next year at the auction? How are they going to keep him? What if he says he wants to go back to the auction?" Cook responded.
Vaughan further backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to earn a place in India’s squad for the upcoming Ireland tour.
"I think he will come on that tour to Ireland. He should be in the Indian party in the summer. I don't think they will throw him back in [the auction]. It will be a private deal done for him."
Phil Tufnell jokes about his future amid rapid rise
Former England spinner Phil Tufnell then jokingly suggested that Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise could eventually exhaust him at a very young age.
"He could be burnt out by 21," Tufnell said.
Vaughan quickly joined in on the joke, saying:
"He'll have enough cash by then. Might retire."
Cook then added another humorous remark while referring to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s attacking batting style.
"He can't be burnt out; he plays just 30 balls!"
The teenager’s fearless approach and consistency against elite bowling attacks have rapidly turned him into one of the biggest attractions of IPL 2026, with several former cricketers already backing him for higher honours with the Indian team.
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