Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is one for the future: Shreyas Iyer (PTI Photo)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is one for the future: Shreyas praises 'spectacular' RR star

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has heaped praise on Rajasthan Royals' young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing him as a "spectacular talent" and predicting a bright future after his impressive run in IPL 2026.

20 Apr 2026, 10:59 by India Today Sports Desk · India Today

In Short

Shreyas Iyer praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a spectacular talent
RR's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored 246 runs in six IPL 2026 innings
Sooryavanshi was hailed as one for the future due to his fearless batting style

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer did not hold back in his admiration for Rajasthan Royals' teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a "spectacular talent" and tipping him as "one for the future" after his impressive start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

At just 15, Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most exciting stories of the tournament, scoring 246 runs in six innings at a staggering strike rate of over 236. His fearless approach at the top has not only set the tone for Rajasthan but also drawn attention from opponents across the league.

"He is a spectacular talent, and all the adjectives would be pretty much less for him," Iyer said on Jiostar. "The way he has that bat flow, the rhythm and momentum he creates before the delivery, I think he is one for the future."

Iyer's praise carries added weight given his own strong form this season. The Punjab skipper has amassed 208 runs in six innings and has led from the front while emphasising a philosophy built on self-belief and individuality, traits he believes define Sooryavanshi's rise.

"Whenever I speak to players, my only message is just be yourself. Don't try to emulate or mimic anyone," Iyer said. "When you are fearless and flamboyant in your own way, you don't have to copy anyone."

That approach, Iyer added, has also played a key role in the success of Punjab's top order, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya both crossing the 200-run mark this season. "When you tell these guys they are match-winners, it instils confidence in them," he said.

Such has been Sooryavanshi's impact that few in the IPL ecosystem have remained untouched by his exploits. From teammates to rivals, the young opener's strokeplay and composure have marked him out as a rare talent, with Iyer admitting that conventional praise barely does justice to his ability.

The Punjab captain also reflected on his own journey, recalling a standout moment from IPL 2025 when he took on Jasprit Bumrah in a high-pressure encounter.

"It was completely instinctive. I was trying to hit him straight down the ground," Iyer said. "When you are facing probably the best bowler in the world, you have to back your instincts."

He pointed to clarity of mind and emotional control as key differentiators at the highest level. "If you show too many emotions, your heart rate fluctuates. When you are in control, you can stay clear and decisive about your goal."

In many ways, that clarity and fearlessness are already visible in Sooryavanshi, a teenager playing with the confidence of a seasoned professional and, as Iyer suggests, a name destined to shape the future of Indian cricket.

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