
Shreyas Iyer praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a 'spectacular talent' and 'one for the future' after his impressive performance in IPL 2026, where he scored 246 runs in six innings with a strike-rate over 236.
Mentioned in this story
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has lavished rich praise on Rajasthan Royalsâ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a âspectacular talentâ and tipping him as âone for the futureâ after his explosive run in IPL 2026.
Sooryavanshi has been one of the standout performers this season, amassing 246 runs in six innings at a staggering strike-rate of over 236, turning heads with his fearless approach at the top.
âHe is a spectacular talent, and all the adjectives would be pretty less for him,â Iyer said. âThe way he has that bat flow, the rhythm and momentum he creates before the delivery â I think he is one for the future.â
âBe yourselfâ: Iyerâs mantra for fearless batting
Iyer, who has himself been in fine touch with 208 runs this season, underlined the importance of self-belief and individuality in modern T20 cricket â a philosophy he believes aligns perfectly with Sooryavanshiâs game.
âWhenever I speak to players, my only message is: just be yourself. Donât try to emulate or mimic anyone,â he said. âWhen you are fearless and flamboyant in your own way, you donât have to copy anyone.â
The Punjab captain credited this mindset for the success of his own openers, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, both of whom have crossed 200 runs this season.
âWhen you tell these guys they are match-winners, it instils confidence in them. They can just go out there and play freely,â he added.
130392309
Reflecting on his own batting, Iyer recalled a standout moment against Jasprit Bumrah, where instinct took over. âIt was completely instinctive. When you are facing probably the best bowler in the world, you have to back your instincts,â he said, emphasising clarity of thought and emotional control in high-pressure situations.
While Iyer remains focused on guiding Punjab Kings to their maiden title, his admiration for Sooryavanshi highlights a broader shift in the league â where young, fearless batters are redefining the tempo of the game.
Shreyas Iyer described Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a 'spectacular talent' and emphasized that all adjectives would fall short in capturing his abilities.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 246 runs in six innings during IPL 2026.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a strike-rate of over 236 in IPL 2026.


Steph Curry and Paige Bueckers party at Coachella 2026!

John Korir wins Boston Marathon with a record time of 2:01:52!

Duke center Patrick Ngongba II announces return for next season after NBA draft consideration.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.