Latest Cricket News

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets ultimate seal of approval as Sachin Tendulkar endorses

Aarush Sethi · · 4 min read

The Rise of a Teenage Phenomenon

The cricketing world is currently buzzing with the emergence of a young talent who has captivated fans and experts alike with his extraordinary stroke play. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, often affectionately dubbed the “Boss Baby” of Indian cricket, has reached a significant milestone in his fledgling career. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar has publicly backed the youngster, noting that his technical proficiency and natural instinct could pave the way for a successful career in the longest format of the game, Test cricket.

A Record-Breaking IPL Campaign

Sooryavanshi’s breakthrough onto the global stage was cemented during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The 15-year-old displayed maturity far beyond his years, accumulating a staggering 776 runs throughout the tournament. His aggressive intent was highlighted by a remarkable strike rate of 237, which saw him shatter Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, a mark that had stood for 14 years.

His most iconic performance came in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a display of pure dominance, Sooryavanshi scored 97 runs off just 29 deliveries. He came agonizingly close to eclipsing Gayle’s record for the fastest century in IPL history, falling just a few balls shy of the milestone but leaving an indelible mark on the tournament. As the IPL 2026 season nears its conclusion, Sooryavanshi stands at the top of the Orange Cap leaderboard, awaiting the outcome of the final between the Royal Grand Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans.

Tendulkar’s Technical Analysis

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Sachin Tendulkar offered a deep insight into why he believes Sooryavanshi is such a special talent. For the “God of Cricket,” it was not merely the power-hitting ability that stood out, but the technical nuance in the youngster’s game. “Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi, and I watched him bat – it was magnificent,” Tendulkar remarked. “He is not just slogging; he is picking the line and length earlier than his peers, which allows him to clear the ropes with ease.”

Tendulkar specifically highlighted the youngster’s wrist work, noting that it is this precise technical skill that enables him to play shots in all directions of the ground effectively. This level of control is rarely seen in players of such a young age, marking him as a genuine prospect for higher levels of cricket.

The Path to Test Cricket

When asked about the potential for Sooryavanshi to transition into Test cricket, Tendulkar emphasized the importance of patience and protecting the youngster’s natural instincts. He advocated for a hands-off approach, suggesting that selectors and the public should avoid placing excessive pressure on the teenager to conform to traditional expectations.

“I would tell him to just be himself,” Tendulkar explained. “There is always a first time. In Test cricket, along with age, he will learn how to deal with various challenges. It is about having a solution-oriented mindset. The bowler is asking a question every ball. Now, what solutions do you find? He is the kind of player who looks very confident, and I would not want to play around with his instincts.”

Tendulkar warned against over-coaching or cluttering the young player’s mind with too many instructions. He suggested that if the natural signal between the eye and the bat is interrupted by external pressure or conflicting advice, the player’s performance could suffer. Instead, he proposed granting the youngster the freedom to play his natural game while allowing him to evolve as he faces the inevitable challenges of the professional circuit.

Encouragement Over Expectation

The legend concluded his thoughts by calling for a supportive environment for the 15-year-old. He noted that while everyone is eager to see how Sooryavanshi performs in the future, the focus should remain on encouragement rather than demand. “Not just me, but everyone would want to see him playing Test cricket at some stage,” Tendulkar said. “But an exciting talent needs encouragement. We should support him, enjoy his growth, and leave the selection decisions to the experts. We must avoid constantly pressuring him about what squad he should be in or what specific role he should play.”