‘One of the best batsmen in the world’: Shubman Gill’s bold statement on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo) Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill has given perhaps the biggest boost yet to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary IPL 2026 season, describing the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batsman as “one of the best batsmen in the world” in the T20 format.Gill’s praise came on the eve of the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, less than 24 hours after the two players played in a thrilling Qualifier 2 clash. While Gill’s magnificent 104 led Gujarat to a seven-wicket win and a place in the final, it was Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking 96 that grabbed the attention once again.The teenager exited the tournament with 776 runs, including six scores of fifties or more, a strike of 237.30 and an amazing 72 sixes. He also produced back-to-back playoff masterclasses, following a 29-ball 97 in the Eliminator with a 47-ball 96 against Gujarat.Reflecting on Sooryavanshi’s remarkable campaign, Gill admitted that he had rarely seen such an attack dominated by the batter.“The kind of season he’s had is remarkable. I haven’t seen anybody hit the way he’s hitting.”The Gujarat captain then made a bold assessment of the teenager’s position in the shortest format.“I think he’s probably one of the best batsmen in the world right now in this format.Gill believes Sooryavanshi’s success is driven by much more than just his ability to clear the boundary ropes. According to him, the youngster’s unique biomechanics and exceptional bat speed set him apart from most players.“It’s not just hitting those boundaries, but his biomechanics and hand speed no matter what opposition he’s playing against.”Sooryavanshi displayed those qualities again in Qualifier 2. After Gujarat’s pace attack pounced early and prevented them from getting off to a flying start, the teenager rebuilt the innings and kept Rajasthan in the contest with another fearless display.

Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the best T20 batter right now?

Gill said the ability to adjust and defend under pressure stood out as much as the runs themselves.“He didn’t get to the flyer today but the way he was able to get back into the game he kept putting us under pressure so that just speaks to his mindset.”The left-hander eventually fell to 96 after following up his 97 in the Eliminator, narrowly missing out on centuries in back-to-back playoff matches. Still, his innings helped Rajasthan recover from a shaky start to 214/6.Gill believes that the challenges posed by Sooryavanshi will only increase for bowlers in the coming years.“I think the opposition he’s playing against is going to have a tough time against him in the years to come.”Sooryavanshi’s stunning campaign has earned plaudits from across the cricketing world and Gill’s comments add another glowing boost to a season that has rewritten expectations of what a 15-year-old can achieve at cricket’s highest level.