Shikhar Dhawan Applauds Young Talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Launches STEM Lab

Shikhar Dhawan has praised the young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his remarkable achievements at just 15 years old, including his impressive performances in T20I cricket and the IPL. Additionally, Dhawan inaugurated a state-of-the-art STEM Lab aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students in Delhi. This initiative reflects his commitment to fostering youth development through sports and education, emphasizing the importance of practical learning in science and technology.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 7, 2026, 20:45 IST

Shikhar Dhawan Commends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Talent

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has expressed admiration for the young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting his fearless approach to batting and impressive performances at such a young age. In a conversation, Dhawan noted that it is quite an achievement for a 15-year-old to compete at the international level, especially in the IPL. He emphasized Sooryavanshi's confidence in hitting boundaries, stating that while technical skills are essential, the courage to execute such shots at a young age is a unique trait.

Bright Future Ahead for Sooryavanshi

Dhawan is optimistic about Sooryavanshi's current and future prospects. He remarked, "His batting is exceptional. Achieving international recognition at just 15 or 16 is a significant milestone. The way he strikes fours and sixes is impressive. Possessing skill is one aspect, but having the heart to perform at this age is remarkable. I believe his present is promising, and his future will be even brighter."

Sooryavanshi's Impressive Records

At only 15, Sooryavanshi has made headlines in T20I cricket, scoring 151 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe, earning him the Player of the Series title as India achieved a clean sweep. He also made history as the youngest Indian to debut internationally during the T20I series against England. His debut followed a stellar IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30, including a century and five fifties. He led the tournament in runs and set a record with 72 sixes, earning multiple post-season accolades, including the Orange Cap and Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Launch of STEM Lab by Shikhar Dhawan Foundation

On Thursday, Shikhar Dhawan, alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and HMD India CEO Ravi Kunwar, inaugurated a cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Lab at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Pitampura. This lab aims to enhance technology-driven education in Delhi's government schools, benefiting over 2,500 students through hands-on STEM learning experiences.

During the inauguration, Dhawan emphasized the initiative's focus on providing practical learning opportunities in STEM fields, which will help children develop essential skills in technology and engineering. He mentioned that his foundation has already positively impacted 50,000 children through digital education initiatives, stating, "We are introducing STEM labs to offer practical benefits to children, enabling them to excel in technology and engineering."

Vision for Education and Development

Anshita Gupta, CEO of Da One Group, highlighted Dhawan's commitment to giving back to society through sports and education. She noted that the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation aims to support children's overall development by fostering critical thinking, innovation, and technology skills, aided by their partnership with HMD. "Shikhar Dhawan has always envisioned giving back to the community, and education is a vital avenue for this. In today's digital age, enhancing digital education is crucial for children's growth," she stated.