Delhi Capitals Coach Praises Young Star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ahead of IPL Clash
Ian Bell Commends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Exceptional Talent
Ian Bell, the batting coach for Delhi Capitals, has expressed admiration for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals, describing his talent as 'absolutely scary' in anticipation of their upcoming match in the IPL 2026 season on Sunday.
Currently, Sooryavanshi ranks as the ninth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, showcasing his fearless batting style. Over 11 innings, he has amassed 440 runs with an impressive average of 40.00 and a striking strike rate of 236.55, which includes one century and two half-centuries. His aggressive approach against top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led to discussions about his potential inclusion in India's T20I squad.
'He is the prized wicket'
During a pre-match press conference, Bell highlighted the significance of Sooryavanshi, stating, 'He is a fantastic young player. The talent is absolutely scary. We aim to dismiss him early because he can inflict significant damage if he remains at the crease for too long.'
'A matter of time before we see him with India'
Bell emphasized the importance of continuous improvement for young cricketers, noting that opponents in both international and IPL formats quickly devise strategies based on extensive analysis. He praised Sooryavanshi's innate talent and acknowledged the guidance he receives from seasoned mentors like Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara within the RR framework. Bell confidently stated, 'It’s only a matter of time before we see him representing India. From a neutral perspective, watching him bat is a pleasure.'
U19 World Cup Achievements
Sooryavanshi also shone at the U19 World Cup earlier this year, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 439 runs across seven matches, boasting an average of 62.71 and a strike rate of 169.49. His performance included one century and three fifties, with a top score of 175. Notably, he set a record by hitting 30 sixes during the tournament, surpassing Dewald Brevis' previous record of 18 sixes from the 2022 edition.