20 May,2026 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Pic: AFP)
According to former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will make bowlers fearful in the same way that West Indian star Chris Gayle did during his prime.
With 53 sixes in the current IPL, Sooryavanshi is very close to Gayle's record of 59 from the 2012 season.
The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter hit a 38-ball 93 on Wednesday night against the Lucknow Super Giants, which included seven fours and ten maximums. Chasing a target of 221, Sooryavanshi's innings helped the hosts reach the total with ease to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"It is very difficult to stop him. In his first 10 balls, he was batting at a strike rate of less than 100, and by the end of the innings, he had scored 93 runs off just 38 balls," Irfan Pathan said on JioHotstar.
"With 53 sixes, he is actually going after Chris Gayle's record of 59 sixes, which has stood since 2012. As bowlers, we were always scared of facing Chris Gayle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is creating that same fear, and Gayle's record is definitely in danger," he added.
Another former Indian player, Sanjay Bangar, said he does not have words to describe Sooryavanshi's talent.
"Can't really explain it; words are not sufficient. They can't do justice to the kind of ability this young boy, this young prodigy, possesses. Some of those shots were extraordinary, to say the least," he said.
"He put on a masterclass, a sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi innings indeed. Terrific to watch, great entertainment. And he is definitely going to draw crowds wherever he goes and wherever he plays," he added.
Sooryavanshi was adjudged Player of the Match for his performance, his third such individual honour this season. The left-hander scored 93 runs off just 38 balls, including seven fours and 10 sixes.
The 15-year-old was eventually dismissed by Mohsin Khan after he was caught by Abdul Samad. The teenager walked off to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Rajasthan Royals are still in the playoff race and will qualify with a win against the Mumbai Indians.
(With PTI inputs)
