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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been one of the best teenage talents that India has ever found. The 15-year-old boy wonder did something special during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which no one thought he would have achieved so early. He won the Orange Cap winner scoring 776 runs in the tournament and also became the youngest Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took IPL 2026 by storm; he was the most talked about among the opponents and also the former cricketers turned commentators and panelists. The Southpaw was awarded for his excellent performance for an India A call-up for a tri-series in Sri Lanka, followed by a senior team chance for the UK tour and Asian Games 2026.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's rise is a exception
Several former cricketers have been mesmerised by the talent of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the sheer aggression he showcases while facing world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn is the latest addition among the former cricketers who have gone on to praise the Universe Baby Boss.
While speaking on South Africa’s young pool, he acknowledged that he does not see any teenager in his country close to matching Sooryavanshi’s talent and rise. Dale Steyn also feels that he will surpass the legacy of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli if he continues to play like the way he has been.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a different gravy- Dale Steyn
"I don't think there's a wonderkid who's 14 or 15 in South Africa right now. And if there is, I'm not aware of him. I don't have my finger on the pulse as closely as some of the local scouts do," Steyn said during an interaction facilitated by SA20 in the lead-up to Season 5.
"But one thing I will say is that there is no shortage of talent in South Africa. We have incredible talent coming through the system. There are outstanding Under-19 and Under-15 players progressing through the school circuit." "That said, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a different gravy. He's better than most international players right now. He's a genuine boy wonder and a treasure for Indian cricket."
This kid is going to explode- Dale Steyn on Sooryavanshi surpassing Kohli and Sachin
The former South Africa pacer was present in the commentary panel for the IPL 2026 and witnessed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi live, and revealed that the Southpaw could reach a stage that cricket has witnessed before. "You think of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and this kid is going to explode. He could end up being bigger than both of them put together by the end of his career."
Apart from praising Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Steyn also cautioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to manage and protect the teenage sensation, as it is difficult to find such talent. "So I'd be very careful about how he's managed and looked after. With great responsibility comes great reward, but there's also a risk that you could lose him along the way if he isn't handled properly."
"As for South Africa, no, we don't have a 14- or 15-year-old who can rival him right now. But we do have some exceptional talent, including a lot of players in their twenties who will push through and represent South Africa in the years ahead."
