Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson praised Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his fearless approach and exceptional power-hitting ability. Watson said that the teenager's aggressive mindset and ability to hit boundaries all around the ground make him a special talent.
Watson made the comments during a Kabuni promotional event at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex on Sunday, June 7. Speaking after the IPL 2026 season, the former Australia star discussed the qualities of current Indian players that he would have liked to add to his game.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Has Got No Fear of Getting Out - Shane Watson
Shane Watson said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless approach is one of his biggest strengths. The former Australian all-rounder praised the teenager's ability to hit boundaries all around the ground, whether over the off side, straight down the ground, or on the leg side.
"Number one, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, for the power that he's got all around the ground, not just straight or to the leg side, it's also over the off side. And also to go with that, Vaibhav's fearless mindset as well. He has got no fear of getting out, which is something that I struggled with for a decent part of my career."
#WATCH | Mumbai: When asked which three Indian cricketers he would choose to steal a quality from, former Australian Cricketer Shane Watson says, "Number one is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, for the power that he's got all around the ground, not just straight or to the leg side but also… pic.twitter.com/iPeCQaDNdk
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2026
Sooryavanshi earned his maiden call-up to India's T20I squads for the tours of England and Ireland, as well as the Asian Games. At just 15 years old, the left-handed batter has become the youngest player ever selected for India's senior men's team.
The youngster has an opportunity to break a long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar made his international debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989.
Shane Watson Highlights Shreyas Iyer's Unique Off-Side Power
Shane Watson praised Shreyas Iyer's ability to hit the ball powerfully through the off side. The former Australian all-rounder said it is a rare skill that many people do not fully appreciate. Watson stated that Iyer generates power with ease, making it difficult for captains to set fields against him.
"I would say another skill - Shreyas Iyer's ability to be able to hit the ball with power over the off-side is something that he doesn't realise how incredibly good a skill that is. He does it so effortlessly over mid-off and over cover in particular, whether it's quicks or spin."
Jasprit Bumrah's Change of Pace and Yorker - Shane Watson
Shane Watson said that he would have loved to have Jasprit Bumrah's ability to bowl slower balls and yorkers. The former Australian all-rounder admitted that he never possessed those skills at the same level as India's pace spearhead.
"And the other one is, which certainly would I would give anything to have had that skill, is Jasprit Bumrah's change of pace and yorker. I didn't have that, not to that extent."
Bumrah's variations and accuracy make him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. His ability to execute yorkers and slower deliveries under pressure allows him to be effective in every phase of an innings.
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