![Ravichandran Ashwin and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: AFP, AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776846224525_RavichandranAshwinandVaibhavSooryavanshi.jpg?type=hq)
Ravichandran Ashwin and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: AFP, AP]
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been lighting up this IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals. Shortly after lifting the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, the 15-year-old has fired two match-winning half-centuries, one each against the CSK and the RCB.
The youngster seemed to have taken a special liking to RCB bowlers, considering the blistering opener whacked the defending champions with an electrifying 26-ball 78 in Guwahati earlier this month.
In spite of enjoying a generational run at such a young age, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still has seasoned observers like Ravichandran Ashwin tipping another Indian youngster as an even more complete prospect for the future.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks Punjab Kings opener as a better youngster
Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes Punjab Kings opener Priyansh Arya is an even bigger talent than India’s U19 World Cup heroes Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre. Taking to his YouTube channel, the cricket expert said that he believes Arya looks a “step ahead” than the two youngsters.
Also Read- Shreyas Iyer Breaks Silence On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Reports Emerge Of Both Playing For India
However, Ravichandran Ashwin also maintained that he does not want to compare any of them. The former CSK cricketer even added that Priyansh Arya seems to have a “wider” range of shots in his batting arsenal, which makes him one of the most exciting youngsters in the league at the moment.
Ravichandran Ashwin said “I am not trying to put anyone above or below anyone, but Priyansh Arya, to me, looks a step ahead even of Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. I am not comparing them, because he goes on to make big scores and he has a wider range of shots.”
Priyansh Arya’s IPL 2026 mirrors Punjab Kings unbeaten run
Incidentally, Priyansh Arya has aggregated runs at a better average this IPL 2026 season than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Arya is also holding a better strike rate, and has played one lesser inning so far than the Rajasthan Royals opener.
In five innings of the tournament, the Punjab Kings opener has charted 211 runs at an average of 42.20 and with a staggering strike rate of 248.23. The exciting left-hander has plundered two match-winning half-centuries for his side this season, which included a ballistic 37-ball 93 against the LSG in New Chandigarh last weekend.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Royals lose winning momentum, Mhatre out of IPL 2026
While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi started off the IPL 2026 season with a string of match-winning knocks, the young left-hander has failed to take his side to victory in their last two games. In the match against the SRH last week, the cricketer was dismissed for a duck.
Even though he scored 46 against the KKR, the Rajasthan Royals suffered a dramatic batting collapse in Kolkata before bowlers failed to defend 155.
CSK opener Ayush Mhatre, on the other hand, has been officially ruled out of the IPL 2026 season owing to a hamstring injury he sustained in the game against the SRH a few days ago.
Also Read- BCCI Bypassed, IPL Teams Place Direct Demand In Front Of Narendra Modi's Government
