Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The New Sachin Tendulkar of Indian Cricket?
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A New Era Begins in Indian Cricket
The name Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is no longer just a whisper in cricket circles — it’s a roar. At just 15 years old, the Bihar-born opener has electrified the IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, earning comparisons to none other than Sachin Tendulkar from former Indian selector Kiran More.
And coming from a man who discovered MS Dhoni, that’s not just praise — it’s prophecy.
A Record-Shattering IPL 2026 Campaign
Sooryavanshi hasn’t just arrived on the big stage — he’s dominating it. In 13 matches this season, he has amassed 579 runs at a staggering strike rate of 236.32. His knock of 103 was more than just a century — it made him the youngest Indian to score multiple centuries in IPL history.
But it’s not just about milestones. Sooryavanshi has slammed 53 sixes in the tournament so far — the most by any Indian player in a single IPL season. He’s now just six maximums away from surpassing Chris Gayle’s record of 59, a mark many thought unbreakable.
He’s doubled his run tally from last season, proving this isn’t a flash in the pan — it’s sustained excellence.
Kiran More’s Bold Comparison
When Kiran More, former Indian wicketkeeper and the man who selected Dhoni for his ODI debut, speaks, cricket India listens. And what he said about Sooryavanshi carries weight.
“When I first saw Sachin Tendulkar, who came in the Indian team for the first time and batted against a great bowler, I knew right away that he was something special. The same is with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi; he is special.”
More, who was part of the Indian squad during Tendulkar’s debut in 1989, sees echoes of the Little Master’s early fearlessness in Sooryavanshi’s demeanor and technique. Tendulkar, too, was just 16 when he made his Test debut and famously continued batting after being struck by Waqar Younis, blood streaming from his nose.
“He is going to bring great glory to the country,” More added. “Let him play the way he does. He has been made and well prepared by God for this sport.”
International Recognition: India A Call-Up
The national selectors are taking notice. Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up to the India A squad for their upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. While chief selector Ajit Agarkar noted that Yashasvi Jaiswal remains ahead in the hierarchy, Sooryavanshi’s inclusion signals long-term plans for the future.
His numbers outside the IPL are just as impressive:
- List-A cricket: 333 runs in 8 innings, average 44.12, strike rate 164.95, with one century and one fifty.
- U19 ODIs: 1412 runs in 25 innings, average 56.48, strike rate 165. Four centuries and seven fifties — India’s top run-scorer in the format.
The Weight of Comparisons
Comparing any young player to Sachin Tendulkar is dangerous territory. But Sooryavanshi’s maturity, aggression, and consistency at such a young age make the parallels hard to ignore.
What sets him apart isn’t just raw talent — it’s temperament. In high-pressure chases, he anchors the innings. Against pace, he’s fearless. Against spin, he’s inventive. And at 15, he’s already facing international-level bowling in packed stadiums.
As the cricketing world watches, one thing is clear: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn’t just the future of Indian cricket — he’s already shaping its present.
