Reminds of young Shahid Afridi: Former Pak player faces backlash over Sooryavanshi claims

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousaf has sparked a backlash after comparing India’s batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to young Shahid Afridi following his explosive IPL 2026 season. The comments came after Sooryavanshi smashed 97 off 29 balls for Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 27, helping his team reach the 2nd qualifier.

The debate has since intensified on social media with fans divided into comparisons between the growing teenage prodigy and one of Pakistan’s most famous power hits.

Taking to X to praise the 15-year-old’s fearless attitude, Yousaf wrote: “15-year-old cricketing sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds me of Shahid Afridi – young, fearless, explosive, full of energy. The future is here!” Yousaf compares Sooryavanshi to young Shahid Afridi (Photo: Screenshot from X)

However, the reaction on the internet was far from unanimous, with a section of fans heavily criticizing the former Pakistan batsman for drawing parallels between the two.

“Sooryavanshi is actually 15 unlike the age hoax,” wrote one user in response.

Another wrote: “I hope Sooryavanshi doesn’t end up field and ball tampering. Also it will be so bad to see him go out and bat every game.”

The controversy highlights how comparisons with icons of cross-border cricket often spark heated debates, especially when young talent is involved and expectations are already sky-high. Yousaf faces backlash over Sooryvanashi claims (Snapshot from X)

Sooryavanshi’s growing influence in the IPL

Sooryavanshi’s performance has been one of the standout stories of the IPL season, with the teenager already rewriting the record books. His 97-run blitz against SRH not only propelled Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2, but also surpassed Chris Gayle’s sixes in a single IPL season, hitting a staggering 65 highs.

The youngster has quickly become one of the most talked about names in world cricket and is now on the verge of a potential first Indian challenge. He has already been named in India A’s 50-man squad for Sri Lanka scheduled for June 2026.

At just 15, Sooryavanshi has already established himself as one of the most explosive young batsmen in the IPL, boasting a strike tally of around 240 this season.

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi, who remains one of Pakistan’s most famous white-ball shooters, still maintains an iconic status. for his record 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996when he was only 16 years old.

Sooryavanshi will next be in action on Friday, May 29 against Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala, with Rajasthan Royals looking to book a place in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31.

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Published on:

29 May 2026 14:13 IST