Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (ANI Photo) Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif heaped praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his breathtaking century for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.The 15-year-old lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium with a sensational 103 off just 37 balls, smashing 12 sixes and five fours in an innings that left fans and pundits in awe. Although Rajasthan Royals eventually fell short as SRH chased down the target, Sooryavanshi’s knock remained the highlight of the contest.
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“We didn’t play good cricket” – Mahela Jayawardene after MI’s biggest IPL loss vs CSKCalling him a rare talent, Kaif said on Jio Hotstar, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a once-in-a-generation talent. At just 15, he makes the best bowlers in the IPL look ordinary.”He pointed out the youngster’s fearless attitude, especially his aggressive intentions against Praful Hinge. Sooryavanshi smashed four consecutive sixes off the pacer, avenging him for his earlier dismissal in Hyderabad and showing his ability to dominate under pressure.Kaif also highlighted that the teenager showed no hesitation against world-class opposition, including Pat Cummins. “He even hit his first ball against Cummins for a huge six. He plays like a gully game, fearless and free,” remarked Kaif.“Two hundreds in two seasons, both at a strike rate of over 250. That tells you everything about his mindset. He doesn’t care about the name of the bowler or the situation of the match. He just keeps on attacking,” he added.Kaif further highlighted the technical strengths that make Sooryavanshi special. “He bats like a veteran who has played international cricket for ten years. His ability to pick the length early, his poise at the crease and his raw power are world class.”He also praised the cub’s temperament, calling it a rare quality at such a young age. “He also has a calm head on his young shoulders. That’s a rare combination,” he said.“If he stays fit, stays hungry and stays focused, Indian cricket has found its next superstar for the next 20 to 25 years,” he concluded.Despite the young batsman’s heroics, SRH managed a successful run chase thanks to crucial contributions from Ishan Kishan (74) and Abhishek Sharma (57) who put together a 132-run winning partnership.
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