Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Rising Star of IPL Faces New Challenges

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the young star of Rajasthan Royals, has made headlines with his remarkable performances in the IPL and international cricket. As he turns 15, the pressure mounts with bowlers now targeting him. While cricket legends like AB de Villiers see great potential in him, Jitesh Sharma expresses doubts about his off-field professionalism. This article explores the contrasting views on Sooryavanshi's future in cricket and the challenges he faces as he steps into the spotlight.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 14:24 IST

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Journey in IPL

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of the Rajasthan Royals has become a prominent figure in the cricketing world following his explosive 35-ball century in the IPL 2025. Since then, he has continued to impress with centuries in countries like Australia, South Africa, and England, and he also played a key role in India's U-19 World Cup victory. As he celebrates his 15th birthday this Friday, the young talent faces heightened expectations this season. No longer an unknown player, bowlers will be keen to exploit any weaknesses in his game. With ample footage available for analysis, Sooryavanshi must adapt to counter the strategies devised against him.

Opinions about the young prodigy vary among cricketing legends. Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star AB de Villiers believes that as Sooryavanshi gains experience, he will develop a more professional approach to the game. In contrast, RCB wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma expresses skepticism about his off-field professionalism, despite being willing to invest significantly in his future. Sharma remarked on a show hosted by de Villiers that he sees great potential in Sooryavanshi, stating, “Right now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can dominate world cricket. He has a great skill set.”

Diverging Views on Professionalism

ABD, Jitesh Disagree Big Time | WATCH

De Villiers praised Sooryavanshi's maturity and professionalism, especially during the U-19 World Cup, noting that it can be challenging for young players to maintain their performance after experiencing the IPL. He emphasized that Sooryavanshi has remained true to his game plan and has not let success go to his head.

Conversely, Jitesh Sharma humorously pointed out that while efforts are being made to instill discipline in Sooryavanshi, he remains far from a complete professional. He shared his attempts to guide the young player, even advising him against late-night ice cream indulgences. “He’s not professional. I can tell you that. Everyone is trying to get him to be professional, but I don’t think he will ever get professional,” Sharma stated with a smile.