IPL 2026: Copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would be ‘foolish’, says Devdutt Padikkal

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image: IPL/BCCI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman Devdutt Padikkal has praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a “rare talent” and admitting that trying to replicate his batting style would be “foolish”.In IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Devdutt Padikkal have emerged as two of the most devastating left-handed batsmen in the tournament, enthralling fans with their fearless strokeplay and explosive scoring. Their partnership reached a historic milestone on May 19 during a crucial clash against Lucknow Super Giants when the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi smashed a sensational 93 off just 38 deliveries. The innings helped him become the youngest batsman in world cricket history to score more than 500 runs in a T20 tournament season. In the process, Sooryavanshi surpassed the record previously held by Padikkal, who scored 580 runs as a 19-year-old in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. Interestingly, both left-handers have also played key tactical roles for their respective franchises this season, often being used as impact players to bolster batting depth and accelerate scoring during key phases.In an interview on JioStar, Padikkal praised the young prodigy’s extraordinary abilities and maturity at such a young age.“What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi does is truly unique. At his age, to have that kind of power and explosiveness in batting is special. Frankly, it would be foolish for anyone to try to emulate him,” Padikkal said.“He’s a rare talent and what he does is incredible. For me, I focus on my own strengths and try to get the best out of myself. I don’t compare myself to others because there are so many talented players in this tournament. I keep it simple and work on improving my own game as much as I can,” he added.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 579 runs in 13 innings while Devdutt Padikkal amassed 412 runs in 12 innings in the ongoing IPL 2026 phase of the league.

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