Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (PTI Photo) Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who turned 15 today, is already counted among the most destructive strikers in Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League. His stunning 35-ball century in last season’s tournament was just the beginning as he has continued to make big runs and impressive innings across the ranks in the past year.Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise saw him make his India A debut in late 2025 when he featured in the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup under Jitesh Sharma. The tournament gave him early access to the senior dressing room, allowing him to interact with players on the fringes of the national team and further highlighting his immense potential.
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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute and squad update On Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Jitesh shared insights into the youngster’s journey and the bond they formed, both during their stint with India A and Sooryavanshi’s time at the Rajasthan Royals academy near Nagpur.“He told me today, bhaiya, if you say anything about me, be careful,” joked Jitesh. “A very cute boy. He used to train in Talegaon, where RR’s academy is. I met him there, then we went to play in Qatar where I was the captain, so we bonded there.”When asked about the source of Sooryavanshi’s remarkable striking power, Jitesh pointed to his natural strength, particularly in his wrists.“It’s all natural strength, he’s very strong. His wrists are bigger than mine – I put my watch on him and it was tight,” he said, highlighting the physicality of the youngster’s explosive batting.“Chhota Hulk hai woh (he’s a little Hulk),” added Jitesh, making a comparison to the iconic Marvel character. The description fits considering Sooryavanshi smashed 11 sixes during his IPL hundred and consistently relied on big shots to dominate the bowlers.Jitesh also revealed the fear factor the youngster has already created among the bowlers in the nets.“He swings the bat so hard that the bowler is afraid if he hits it straight he might die. RR nets bowlers, I know them, say they don’t lift the ball because it might hit it straight back. So they bowl short balls to make him hit away from them,” he explained.With Sanju Samson no longer in the lineup, Sooryavanshi is all set to take up a regular role at the top of Rajasthan Royals’ order. He will be part of a young batting unit that will include Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Riyan Parag, both of whom understand the pressures of performing early in their careers.“He created that fear. He’s like Nicholas Pooran, a left-handed, very hard hitter. You’re afraid he can hit you,” Jitesh said, comparing him to Nicholas Pooran. “And Nicholas also listens to Hindi songs,” he added jokingly.Sooryavanshi, who turns 15 just a day before the start of IPL 2026, heads into his second season with huge expectations. Oppositions are likely to come prepared with specific plans, targeting him with short balls, slower deliveries and wider lines. How the young batsman from Bihar adapts to these challenges may influence his impact in the coming season.
