‘Incredible to watch a young boy take on...’: Rahul Dravid hails mentee Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s growing IPL aura

Indian cricket legend and former head coach Rahul Dravid lavished praise on Rajasthan Royals (RR) youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the teenage sensation continued to light up the Indian Premier League (IPL) with fearless batting performances.

Having already built a reputation during his debut season, Sooryavanshi has elevated his stature further in IPL 2026, emerging as one of the tournament’s most talked-about young stars.

The 15-year-old batter has stunned fans and experts alike with his audacious strokeplay against some of the best bowlers in world cricket. From smashing Jasprit Bumrah for a first-ball six to taking on pacers like Josh Hazlewood, Kagiso Rabada, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar without hesitation, Sooryavanshi has showcased maturity far beyond his age.

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Rahul Dravid heaps praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Speaking to Wisden, Dravid reflected on the youngster’s rapid rise and admitted that what impressed him most was the aura Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has created within just two IPL seasons. The former India coach revealed that elite bowlers are now spending time in strategy meetings discussing plans specifically to stop the teenage batter.

“Vaibhav is a very special talent. There's no doubt about it. I think everyone has said everything that needed to be said about Vaibhav. It's just incredible to watch a young boy take on some of the best players in the world and do it so successfully,” Dravid said.

Dravid further added that it would have been unimaginable for senior international bowlers a couple of years ago to prepare extensively for a 15-year-old batter in IPL meetings.

The former RR head coach also recalled an interaction with Sooryavanshi before his IPL debut last year. Expecting nerves from the youngster, Dravid instead received a fearless response when the batter told him he intended to attack every ball.

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Sooryavanshi enjoying sensational IPL 2026 campaign

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has justified the massive expectations surrounding him with remarkable consistency this season. The teenage prodigy has scored 440 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 236.55, including a century and two half-centuries.

His performances have also earned him a place in the India A squad for the upcoming one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka scheduled for June 2026. With the cricketing world already taking notice, Sooryavanshi’s rise continues to look like the beginning of something special for Indian cricket.