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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is still waiting to make his India debut, but the 15-year-old has already become one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world. Ahead of India’s five-match T20I series in England, Matt Prior heaped praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after watching his fearless performances this year.
The former England wicketkeeper-batter feels the teenage batting sensation is not just a talented batter but also someone who stays calm in the big games. He believes that Vaibhav enjoys playing under pressure and never looks scared, no matter how strong the opposition is. Even Jos Buttler warns England bowlers about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Matt Prior left in awe of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of England T20I series
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an unforgettable IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. The teen opener scored more than 770 runs at an average of 48.50 and an incredible strike rate of 237.30. He entertained fans with his attacking style and became one of the biggest stars of the tournament.
However, the way Vaibhav performed in knockout matches impressed many the most. When Rajasthan Royals needed him the most, the left-handed batter smashed two explosive knocks of 90+ runs during the IPL 2026 playoffs at a strike rate of over 200.
Even before the IPL 2026, the teenage sensation had already made headlines in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. He had played a breathtaking knock of 175 runs off just 80 balls in the final against England and helped India lift the trophy.
Matt Prior compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's mindset to Steve Waugh
Before the first T20I between England and India on July 1, Matt Prior said that Sooryavanshi has ‘Steve Waugh's mentality and mental strength’ while highlighting how the Bihar lad loves to play under pressure in the big games.
Matt Prior said on the talkSPORT YouTube channel, “On top of all the talent, he has Steve Waugh's mentality and mental strength. He's not doing this in games people aren't watching. He's doing it in World Cup finals and IPL knockouts."
"He's doing it when the whole world is watching. He puts in match-winning performances in the big games, which shows that there's a mentality there. Maybe he just finds it so easy that he doesn't get affected and just cracks on.”
Matt Prior makes bold statement on Vaibhav's IPL 2026 heroics
The former England wicketkeeper was also surprised by the way Vaibhav attacked world-class fast bowlers and made a mockery of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins.
Prior added, “You've got very experienced players and some of the best that have ever played the game who can't hit Bumrah and Cummins. And this lad turns up and just puts them 20 rows back. He's making a mockery of everyone else.”
The former England cricketer also said that Suryavanshi is enjoying the perfect role in the IPL. He signed off by saying, “This bloke is literally living the dream. He goes out and opens the batting, hits fours and sixes, and is lauded for it."
"If he gets out, it's kind of okay. And then he doesn't field. In an era where there is so much money, he's going to earn millions and millions for just smoking it and then not fielding. That's the lottery.”
