Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines in IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan's High Praise

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the young sensation from Rajasthan Royals, is turning heads in IPL 2026 with his fearless batting. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has praised him for his ability to shine against top bowlers, reinforcing the belief that he is a player to watch. Sooryavanshi's impressive statistics and fearless approach have made him a standout performer this season. With a remarkable strike rate and a growing list of achievements, his future in cricket looks bright. Read on to explore his journey and the impact he's making in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 20:15 IST

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Stellar Performance

Rajasthan Royals' rising star, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, continues to impress cricket fans and experts alike with his remarkable batting skills. Following his recent performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan commended Sooryavanshi, highlighting his ability to excel against top-tier bowlers.

Pathan's Endorsement on Social Media

Pathan took to social media to express his admiration, stating, "The theory of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needing big-name bowlers in the opposition is proving true again ;) This kid is a special player with many years at the top level ahead of him." His words reflect the growing belief in Sooryavanshi's potential.

Fearless Display Against KKR

In the IPL 2026 match at Eden Gardens, Sooryavanshi showcased his fearless approach by hitting legendary spinner Sunil Narine for a six on just his second delivery. His innings of 46 runs off 28 balls included six boundaries and two sixes, demonstrating his aggressive batting style.

Dominance from the First Ball

Sooryavanshi's IPL journey began with a six against Shardul Thakur on his debut ball. He has consistently asserted his dominance, notably hitting a six off Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah during a match against Mumbai Indians (MI) this season. His fearless attitude has seen him score against seasoned bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.

Impressive IPL Statistics

Currently, Sooryavanshi ranks as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 246 runs in six matches with an average of 41.00 and a striking rate of 236.53. Over his 13-match IPL career, he has accumulated 498 runs at an average of 38.30, including a century and three fifties, with an impressive tally of 42 fours and 44 sixes.