Mumbai: Allan Border has heaped praise on India’s teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while also offering a crucial piece of advice for the youngster’s long-term success.
At just 15, Sooryavanshi has taken Indian cricket by storm with his fearless batting and remarkable consistency, drawing comparisons with some of the game’s greatest players.
A rising star in Indian cricket
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shot to prominence after being picked by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Though he began as a reserve player, an opportunity opened up following an injury to Sanju Samson.
The young left-hander grabbed his chance emphatically, announcing his arrival with a six off his very first ball in the IPL. He followed it up with a sensational 35-ball century in only his second match — the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian and the second-fastest overall.
His fearless strokeplay and ability to dominate bowlers across formats quickly made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the country.
Border sees glimpses of Brian Lara
Allan Border, one of Australia’s most respected cricketing voices, said he was deeply impressed by the teenager’s natural ability and power-hitting skills.
“I think Vaibhav’s one hell of a player, a great talent. I have never seen any batter at the age of 14 or 15 hitting the ball with so much power,” Border said in an interview.
He went on to draw comparisons with legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara, noting similarities in style and flair.
“I can clearly see glimpses of Brian Lara in him. He has a long way to go, but he sure can hit that ball across all parts of the ground,” Border added.
Key advice: strengthen defensive technique
While praising his attacking instincts, Border also stressed the importance of developing a solid defensive game — a key requirement for sustained success, especially in longer formats.
“Vaibhav must now learn how to tighten his defence,” he advised.
The remark highlights the need for young players to balance aggression with technical discipline as they transition into higher levels of international cricket.
Impressive numbers back the hype
Sooryavanshi’s performances have not just been eye-catching but also statistically significant. In IPL 2025, he scored 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.00 and an exceptional strike rate of 206.56.
He carried that form into IPL 2026, cementing his place in Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI from the very first match of the season. In the first seven games, he amassed 254 runs at an average of 36.28 and a strike rate exceeding 213.
The youngster has also impressed at the Under-19 level for India, further underlining his potential to become a future star.
Bright future ahead
With a blend of natural talent, confidence, and growing experience, Sooryavanshi appears well on track to achieve greater milestones. His aggressive batting style has already made him a fan favourite and a key player for Rajasthan Royals.
However, as Allan Border pointed out, refining his defensive technique will be crucial if he is to succeed across all formats and maintain consistency at the highest level.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise has captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country. Endorsements from legends like Allan Border only reinforce the belief that he is a special talent.
If he can complement his attacking prowess with a strong defensive foundation, the 15-year-old could well become one of the leading figures in Indian cricket in the years to come.