New Delhi: Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to capture global attention after his record-breaking Indian Premier League 2026 campaign, with former India all-rounder Madan Lal comparing his talent and mindset to some of the greatest names in cricket history.
The 15-year-old’s meteoric rise has sparked widespread excitement, with experts and former players drawing parallels between Sooryavanshi and legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Stellar IPL season fuels comparisons
Sooryavanshi’s performances in IPL 2026 have been nothing short of extraordinary. Representing Rajasthan Royals, he amassed 776 runs in 16 innings at an impressive average of 48.50 and a remarkable strike rate of 237.30.
He registered one century and five half-centuries during the tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer and claiming the Orange Cap. In addition, he broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for most sixes in a single IPL season, smashing 72 maximums and setting a new benchmark in T20 batting.
Such dominance at a young age has naturally led to comparisons with some of cricket’s all-time greats.
‘Once-in-a-century talent’, says Madan Lal
Madan Lal, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, described Sooryavanshi as a rare talent with a mindset similar to iconic players.
“He is extremely talented. Truly has a God-gifted talent and mindset like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar. These players come once in a century,” Lal said.
However, he was quick to add that the youngster must prove himself across formats, especially in Test cricket, to be placed in the same bracket as these legends.
Lal emphasised the importance of exposing Sooryavanshi to longer formats, including matches for India A and multi-day domestic games, to help him develop the technical and mental aspects required for sustained success.
Call for early integration into national setup
The former India coach also advocated bringing Sooryavanshi into the national team environment at an early stage. According to Lal, exposure to international standards and dressing room culture will accelerate his growth.
At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges of team balance, noting that the youngster is competing with established players such as Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.
“Sooryavanshi is as good as them, but they are proven players. He has to prove himself at that level,” Lal pointed out, adding that selectors must carefully manage his inclusion to avoid disrupting team dynamics.
Grooming for long-term success
Lal stressed that while Sooryavanshi’s talent is undeniable, the focus should now shift to grooming him for the next level. He highlighted the importance of gradual progression, allowing the youngster to learn and adapt without unnecessary pressure.
He also noted that even spending time on the bench could be a valuable learning experience, helping Sooryavanshi understand the demands of international cricket and build resilience.
The emphasis, according to Lal, should be on long-term development rather than immediate results, ensuring that the teenager evolves into a complete cricketer capable of excelling across formats.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational IPL 2026 campaign has placed him firmly in the spotlight, drawing comparisons with some of cricket’s greatest legends. While such praise reflects his immense potential, experts like Madan Lal believe that sustained success, particularly in Test cricket, will be the true measure of his greatness. As Indian cricket looks to the future, the focus will be on nurturing this extraordinary talent and guiding him towards a lasting legacy.