Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 23: With the Indian Premier League 2026 season set to begin in six days, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already in the spotlight following a remarkable rise over the past year.

The youngster, who turns 15 this week, returns to Rajasthan Royals after a breakout season that included a stunning 35-ball century. Since then, he has continued his form globally, scoring centuries in Australia, South Africa and England, and playing a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph.

However, as the new season approaches, questions are emerging over how he will fare against bowlers who are now more familiar with his game.

Jitesh Sharma, who captained Sooryavanshi during the India A Asia Cup, praised the youngster’s immense potential, saying he could “dominate world cricket” and possesses exceptional skills.

At the same time, Jitesh raised concerns about the teenager’s off-field discipline, suggesting he may struggle to adopt a fully professional approach. He remarked that while Sooryavanshi shows maturity on the field, he may not match that consistency off it.

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, however, had a contrasting view, lauding the youngster’s composure and consistency. He said he was impressed by Sooryavanshi’s performance in the Under-19 World Cup, where he maintained the same aggressive yet controlled approach that marked his IPL success.

De Villiers noted that the teenager showed maturity beyond his years, sticking to his natural game without arrogance and adapting well to high-pressure situations.

As anticipation builds, Sooryavanshi’s performance in IPL 2026 is expected to be a key test of both his talent and temperament.