15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored 404 runs at a strike-rate of 237.64 in the 2026 IPL, raising questions about his readiness for India's senior team.
At just 12 years old, Sooryavanshi faced England in an under-19 series while former England all-rounder Mike Yardy watched as an opposing coach. Yardy later coached him during an England tour last summer, where Sooryavanshi smashed 143 in a 50-over match in Worcester. In February, Yardy coached him again when Sooryavanshi struck a blistering 175 off 80 balls against England in the Under-19 World Cup final.
Yardy admits his talent is unlike anything he has seen, saying: The talent he has got, I don't know what to predict because I have never seen anything quite like it.
Sooryavanshi has silenced doubts about his white-ball success by dominating the 2026 IPL. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he followed a 35-ball century as a 14-year-old last year with another 36-ball ton against Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Only Chris Gayle has hit more balls for a T20 century in the IPL. His power comes from a unique bat swing, where his hands drift away from his body as the bowler releases the ball, generating speed as the bat whips back through the line.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested this week that Sooryavanshi could become the 'greatest striker of a cricket ball of all time'.
Sooryavanshi starts in a conventional left-hander's stance, but after the ball is released, his hands and bat move laterally away from his body. This creates a circular, wristy motion with a high backlift similar to his batting hero Brian Lara.
Despite the circular swing, his bat comes through straight rather than diagonally, producing hand speed that fuels his extreme six-hitting ability. Former India international Deep Dasgupta, who has commentated on his IPL performances, notes: His bat swing is quite unique. It is not a taught bat swing. Batters go straight up and straight down - a linear path. This is more circular and wristy.
In 17 IPL innings this year, Sooryavanshi has hit 61 sixes—just three fewer than Eoin Morgan managed in 75 knocks. He has dispatched India's Jasprit Bumrah, Australia's Josh Hazlewood, and New Zealand's Trent Boult with ease.
While his most profitable shot is classified as a 'slog' by CricViz, his consistency in striking the ball cleanly and over long distances is remarkable. Yardy explains: He gets a full flow and gets everything out of his bat swing but is then able to hold a really consistent base with his feet into the ground, with balance and keeping his head still.
Sooryavanshi has amassed 404 runs at a strike-rate of 237.64 in the 2026 IPL, placing him fifth in run-scoring and second in strike-rate.
His recent performances include a 52 off 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings, a 78 off 26 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and four other scores of 30-plus in 10 innings. Dasgupta highlights his consistency, saying: The fact he is so consistent tells me his shot selection is more often than not right.
Coaches also praise his cricket IQ, noting his sharp decision-making and technical skills.
Bowlers have begun targeting the stumps more frequently to restrict Sooryavanshi, increasing from 32% to 39% according to CricViz.
Dasgupta warns that his circular bat swing could create gaps between bat and pad if the downswing isn't straight. He also points to an innings of just eight off 11 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, where five dot balls preceded a high catch.
Dasgupta adds: That's where he was found a little wanting because he doesn't move his feet a lot. He will obviously get better with experience and practice but those are the areas where he might want to look at and work on.
Despite his IPL success, Sooryavanshi averages just 17.25 in eight first-class matches for Bihar, debuting at the age of 12. However, he has two centuries in under-19 Tests against Australia, showing potential beyond white-ball cricket.
Yardy believes his talent could allow him to play all formats in the future, saying: He is doing things now that players double his age are doing. You imagine, if he keeps going the way he is, he can play all formats of international cricket.
Dasgupta agrees, noting Sooryavanshi's solid defence and technique, adding: What people notice are the fours and sixes but he does not hit every ball for a four or six. He does defend as well.
As the only uncapped player in the top 10 run-scorers of the 2026 IPL, speculation is growing about an international call-up. India will host England in a five-match T20 series in June, raising questions about whether Sooryavanshi could make the squad.
Dasgupta acknowledges the challenge, saying: It is a valid question with the way he has played. However, he cautions about the mental readiness required for international cricket, stressing the need for proper mentorship and gradual integration into the senior setup.
Yardy stresses the importance of ensuring young players like Sooryavanshi feel confident at the highest level, warning against situations where they might feel out of place.
He compares Sooryavanshi's development to other sports, noting that Max Dowman is playing for Arsenal at 15. Yardy argues that modern facilities and coaching have accelerated player development, saying: Young people are generally developing quicker in all sports now, through higher level facilities and more exposure to coaching.
He adds: If players are physically strong enough and mentally can deal with situations it is not a worry with age really.