Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the biggest sensations of IPL 2026 after his breathtaking batting performances grabbed global attention. The 15-year-old cricketer has impressed fans, former players, and cricket experts with his fearless approach, and now even voices from Pakistan have joined the growing admiration for the young Indian talent.
The young batter produced one of the most memorable innings of the season during the IPL Eliminator, smashing 97 runs in just 29 balls. His explosive knock came dangerously close to breaking the record for the fastest century in IPL history. The innings was packed with aggressive stroke play, towering sixes, and exceptional confidence that stunned viewers across the cricketing world.
Cricket legends including Sachin Tendulkar and Chris Gayle praised the teenager for his maturity and fearless batting style. However, one of the most talked-about reactions came from Pakistan.
Javed Afridi, owner of Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi, publicly appreciated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on social media. Afridi said he was “truly blown away” by the youngster’s innings and called his batting rare and special for someone so young.
He also described Vaibhav as a future superstar and praised the confidence with which he dominated experienced bowlers on a high-pressure stage. The statement quickly went viral on social media, where fans from both India and Pakistan appreciated the sporting spirit behind the praise.
Afridi further highlighted the importance of franchise-based T20 leagues in nurturing young talent. He pointed out that tournaments like the IPL provide young players with a platform to showcase their abilities before a global audience. He also expressed hope that Pakistan Super League could continue creating similar opportunities for emerging cricketers in Pakistan.
The cross-border appreciation has become a major talking point because cricket relations between India and Pakistan are often emotionally charged. In such an atmosphere, open admiration for a young Indian cricketer from a prominent Pakistani franchise owner has been seen as a positive example of sportsmanship beyond rivalry.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have greatly benefited from Vaibhav’s sensational form this season. The teenager has already scored 680 runs in 15 matches and currently stands among the leading run-scorers of IPL 2026. His strike rate, above 240, has made him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament.
Experts believe Vaibhav’s biggest strength is not just his power-hitting ability but also his fearless mindset. Despite being only 15, he has shown remarkable composure in pressure situations and has consistently attacked top-quality bowling attacks.
Several former cricketers have predicted a bright future for him in Indian cricket. Many believe that if he continues developing his game with discipline and focus, he could soon become a regular name in India’s international setup.
Social media platforms have been flooded with praise for the young batter, with fans calling him the “future of Indian cricket.” His performances have also inspired young aspiring cricketers who dream of making it big at an early age.
