Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could face a tougher challenge in IPL 2026 despite his stunning debut last year. The Rajasthan Royals youngster has impressed everyone with his fearless batting but Uthappa feels that the bowlers will be better prepared now.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a breakout season in IPL 2025, as the youngest player to debut at the tournament. Speaking to Star Sports, Uthappa praised the youngster’s talent but suggested that the upcoming season could test his game more thoroughly.
Read the full article
“I have watched every match that Vaibhav has played in the last 12 months. He is a great player,” Uthappa said.
However, the former India batsman pointed out that the teenager also benefited from the element of surprise during his first season.
“But when you watch him bat, you sometimes feel that he has a bit of luck on his horse. When the level is tougher and the bowlers know exactly where to bowl, the challenge increases,” said Uthappa.
Uthappa believes that opposition teams will now study the youngster more closely and plan their strategies accordingly.
“The surprise factor is gone. I think this season will be a learning phase for him. He will score points, but he may not repeat last year’s performance,” he added.
HOW WAS VAIBHAVA SOORYAVANSHI’S ENTRY?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s growth in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. The 14-year-old prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar has quickly become one of the most talked about young cricketers in the country.
He grabbed national attention in IPL 2025 after Rajasthan Royals signed him for Rs 1.10 crore. The young batsman made history by becoming the youngest player to make his debut in the tournament.
Sooryavanshi’s most memorable moment came during the match against Gujarat Titans where he smashed a stunning 35-ball century – the fastest by an Indian in IPL history. His fearless approach and aggressive stroke play instantly made him one of the breakout stars of the season.
The youngster finished his debut IPL campaign with 252 runs from seven innings at an average of 36 and an impressive strike rate of 206.55.
His incredible run continued at the international junior level. At the 2026 U19 World Cup Suryavanshi gave a record breaking performance in the final, smashing 175 runs off just 80 balls to lead India to their sixth title.
The knock was the highest individual score recorded in an Under-19 World Cup final. During the tournament, Suryavanshi scored 439 runs in seven matches at a success rate of 169 to finish as India’s top run-scorer.
With performances like these, the young batsman has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket – even if he faces tougher challenges in the IPL.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
15 March 2026 16:08 IST
