NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a exceptional impression on the cricketing world at 15, and Australia tempo nice Brett Lee believes {the teenager} has all the things required to realize “larger and higher issues” — supplied he is protected against the strain accompanying his speedy rise.Sooryavanshi turned one of many greatest tales of IPL 2026 after a rare marketing campaign for Rajasthan Royals. The left-hander scored 776 runs in 16 matches to say the Orange Cap, repeatedly displaying a fearless strategy in opposition to among the world’s finest bowlers.His performances earned him a fast-track call-up to India’s T20I facet. After a troublesome begin to worldwide cricket throughout the England collection, Sooryavanshi responded impressively on India’s Zimbabwe tour, ending as Participant of the Collection.For Lee, nonetheless, {the teenager}’s age mustn’t overshadow what he’s already doing on the sphere.
‘This child can play cricket’
Sooryavanshi’s age has turn into a continuing speaking level exterior India, however Lee believes the main focus ought to be on his capacity somewhat than the quantity hooked up to his title.“He’s unbelievable. Everybody offshore, away from India, asks the query if he is 15. He’s 15 might be the most important speaking level around the globe. I do not care how outdated he’s. If he is 15, improbable, but when he is 17 or 18, who cares. This child can play cricket. He has been such a fantastic discover for India, and he’ll go on to realize larger and higher issues,” Lee mentioned on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel.The previous Australia quick bowler was notably impressed by Sooryavanshi’s capacity to tackle specific tempo throughout the IPL, together with in opposition to Australian quicks.“He has already lit up the IPL in such a brief house of time. That 97 he obtained (vs SRH), he was up in opposition to Aussie bowlers. They had been bowling fuel, and he was hooking them off his nostril. He’s enjoying correct cricketing pictures and has energy that he finds from someplace,” Lee mentioned.
‘It’ll solely be his thoughts’
Whereas Lee sees little cause to fret about Sooryavanshi’s batting or present type, he believes the psychological facet of the sport would be the greatest check as expectations proceed to develop.“It will not be his type or batting; it’s going to solely be his thoughts. He nonetheless needs to be a child. Let him be a child and do not put an excessive amount of strain,” Lee mentioned.The warning comes after Sooryavanshi’s speedy transition from teenage prospect to IPL star after which an India worldwide. The eye surrounding him is barely more likely to improve as he continues to carry out on the highest degree.
How Lee would have bowled to Sooryavanshi
Lee additionally supplied an perception into how he would have approached the problem of bowling to {the teenager}, notably given Sooryavanshi’s confidence in opposition to short-pitched deliveries.“If somebody was a superb hooker or puller of the ball, I used to like that as a result of then it turns into a contest. So in fact I’d go into the boardroom, go upstairs and take a look. I will put one on his badge and see what he does with it. He would possibly hook me for six, however it will not discourage me from giving him one other one,” Lee mentioned.For a participant who has already proven he isn’t intimidated by fame or tempo, such contests may turn into a defining characteristic of Sooryavanshi’s early profession.However Lee’s message is evident: {the teenager}’s greatest battle will not be in opposition to quick bowlers in any respect. It could be studying to deal with all the things that comes with being cricket’s newest teenage sensation.
