Dale Steyn Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as Future Star of Indian Cricket

Dale Steyn has hailed young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a 'treasure for Indian cricket,' suggesting he could eclipse the achievements of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Following an outstanding IPL 2026 season where he was the top run-scorer, Sooryavanshi has earned a spot in India's T20I team, making history as the youngest player to do so. Steyn's comments highlight Sooryavanshi's exceptional talent and potential, positioning him as a standout figure in the future of Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 14:51 IST

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A Rising Star

Renowned South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has praised young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a 'gem for Indian cricket' and one of the most gifted players he has encountered. Steyn expressed confidence that Sooryavanshi could surpass the achievements of Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli combined. His comments came after Sooryavanshi's impressive performance in the IPL 2026, where he emerged as the top run-scorer, earning both the Orange Cap and the MVP title. This success has led to his selection for India's T20I squad for upcoming tours in England and Ireland, making him the youngest player ever to receive an India call-up.

During a recent interaction ahead of SA20's fifth season, Steyn remarked on Sooryavanshi's unparalleled skills compared to peers his age. He stated, 'When you think of players like Sachin and Virat, this kid is destined to shine even brighter. By the end of his career, he will be bigger than both of them combined.' When asked about other young talents in South Africa, Steyn noted, 'I’m not aware of any wonderkid at 14 or 15 in South Africa right now. While there is no shortage of talent in our country, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stands out as exceptional. He is outperforming many international players at this stage and is truly a remarkable talent for Indian cricket.'

Sooryavanshi's ascent has been one of the most compelling narratives in Indian cricket over the past year. Despite his young age, he has showcased remarkable maturity and a diverse range of strokes, allowing him to excel against some of the world's best bowlers. His performances in the IPL have captured public attention and drawn comparisons to some of the sport's greatest names.