The hype around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reached a point where almost every conversation about Indian cricket’s future seems to begin with his name.
After a record-shattering IPL 2026 campaign, calls for the 15-year-old’s India debut have grown louder by the day. Debates have already shifted from white-ball cricket to whether he can eventually become an all-format star.
But if there is one voice that understands the pressures of being a teenage prodigy better than most, it is Sachin Tendulkar.
Speaking in Mumbai, where he was recognised as the best men’s international batter of the 21st century, Tendulkar praised Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary talent but urged fans and experts alike to resist the temptation of rushing him into bigger conversations too soon.
Tendulkar admitted he initially tuned in to watch Sooryavanshi after hearing the buzz surrounding the RR youngster.
“Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi, and I watched him bat — it was magnificent,” Tendulkar said.
“I mean he is something truly special. And not just the ability to hit the ball, but what also fascinated me was the wrist work that he has.
“To be able to play in all directions of the ground, you need good wrist work. And he is not slogging the ball. He is just picking the line and length earlier than the rest of the guys and he is able to clear the rope comfortably.”
Sooryavanshi amassed 776 runs in IPL 2026 at a staggering strike rate of 237.31 and smashed 72 sixes, breaking Chris Gayle’s long-standing record of 59 maximums in a single season.
With BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar seated nearby during the event, Tendulkar carefully avoided making direct selection recommendations. Instead, he stressed the importance of giving the youngster space to develop naturally.
“I would tell him to just be himself,” Tendulkar said.
