Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin commends the talent of teenage batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, believing he can excel in all cricket formats. Sooryavanshi’s aggressive performance for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 has impressed Ashwin, who sees him as an entertainer in Test matches and all formats. The 15-year-old’s explosive innings against Gujarat Titans showcased his attacking prowess, drawing praise from Ashwin for his ability to captivate audiences.
Sooryavanshi’s quickfire 36 off 16 balls, including three fours and three sixes, provided Rajasthan with a strong start in a challenging chase of 230 runs. Despite his fearless approach against top bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, Rajasthan faltered against Gujarat’s spinners, leading to a defeat by 77 runs. Ashwin lauds Sooryavanshi as a “box-office player” but advises against burdening him with high expectations early in his career.
Describing Sooryavanshi as a player who gives his all on the field, Ashwin emphasizes the importance of letting the young cricketer enjoy his game without undue pressure. With established players like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira in Rajasthan’s middle order, Sooryavanshi has the freedom to play aggressively at the top. Ashwin suggests that if Sooryavanshi continues to provide strong starts, Rajasthan Royals should comfortably win matches with their batting lineup.
Ashwin’s assessment highlights Sooryavanshi’s impact in the IPL 2026, where he has accumulated 440 runs in 11 matches, including a century and two half-centuries. As the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals this season, Sooryavanshi’s potential and performance have garnered attention and praise from cricket enthusiasts.
