Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Babar Azam in frame. Image Credits- AFP
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another feather in his already illustrious hat, as he blasted a 29-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2026. As he broke multiple records a couple of sleeps ago, Sooryavanshi also bagged praises from one of the Babar Azam's team owners.
Not only did the 15-year-old batter become the reason for SRH's elimination, but Sooryavanshi was on the verge of breaking the record for the fastest century in the IPL history.
The IPL 2026 has been the coming of the age for the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter, who has scored 680 runs at an incredible strike rate of 242.86. Interestingly, he has slammed 88.9% of his runs via boundaries, hitting 55 fours and 65 sixes.
The Tendulkar-esque in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
After the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi madness against SRH, the whole world came in awe of the generational talent. His pedigree is also being compared to that of a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut against Pakistan in 1989.
After 37 years, Sooryavanshi is also making waves in Pakistan. PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi, for whom Babar Azam plays, has sung high praises for the young talent from India.
"Man, I’m truly blown away by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 97 runs of pure brilliance! The way he played total edge-of-the-seat stuff. Talent like this at such a young age is so rare & special," Javed Afridi, who owns PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi, said.
Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Pakistan Equivalent Named By Pakistani Legend
PSL franchise owner praises Sooryavanshi
Moreover, Javed Afridi spoke about the importance of the leagues like the PSL and IPL as a platform for budding talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
"That’s exactly why leagues like our PSL are so important that we need to create more platforms so our Pakistan boys get the same chance to showcase their talent & light up the world just like Vaibhav," Babar Azam's PSL team owner added.
"Massive respect & love, kid. You’re a future superstar in the making! Keep rising," he concluded.
It is worth mentioning that under Babar Azam's astute leadership, the Javed Afridi-owned Peshawar Zalmi won its second title in PSL 2026.
Sooryavanshi magic working well for RR
This season of IPL will be remembered for countless reasons, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting has to be one of the primary reasons for that.
The Bihar-born has been making a name for himself since his IPL debut last year, and thenceforth, his career has only grown leaps and bounds. Since then, he has performed in domestic circles and won the 2026 U19 World Cup, slamming a record-breaking 175 in the final.
His berserk batting has boosted Rajasthan’s fortunes, as he has scored nearly a quarter of his team’s runs this season. Thanks to him, the inaugural champions have reached Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026, to face GT on Friday.
Writer's take by Arjun
Despite Indo-Pak relations taking a major hit in recent times, it is the Vaibhav Sooryavanshis, Sachin Tendulkars, Virat Kohlis and Wasim Akrams of the world who have the potential to bring the two nations closer, even just on the field.
However, players like Faheem Ashraf have been putting salt on the wounds.
These comments from Javed Afridi can work as a bandage to heal the wounded India-Pakistan relationship, despite the geopolitical differences between the neighbouring countries.
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