'He is going to entertain you': R Ashwin backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India’s all-format superstar

Ravichandran Ashwin has lavished praise on Rajasthan Royals teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying he would not be surprised to see the young batter represent India across all three formats in the future.

Ashwin made the comments on JioHotstar following Rajasthan Royals’ 77-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash in Jaipur on Saturday. Despite RR’s heavy loss, Vaibhav once again grabbed attention with his fearless batting approach and aggressive intent at the top of the order.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as the biggest breakout star of IPL 2026, delivering sensational performances for Rajasthan Royals at just 15 years of age. So far this season, Vaibhav has scored 440 runs in 11 matches at an average of 40.00 and an extraordinary strike rate of 236.56, making him RR’s leading run-scorer. His highest score came in a breathtaking 103 off just 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the second-fastest IPL century by an Indian batter.

The teenage sensation has shattered several records during his remarkable campaign. He became the fastest player in IPL history to reach 400 runs in a season, achieving the milestone in just 167 balls. He also set a new record for the most sixes in IPL powerplays in a single season with 32 maximums.

Vaibhav recently became the youngest and fastest batter to hit 100 T20 sixes, reaching the landmark in only 514 deliveries. In his latest outing against Gujarat Titans, he once again showcased his fearless batting with a quickfire 36 off 16 balls, including a six off the very first delivery he faced.

The former India spinner described the 15-year-old as a “box-office player” and praised the confidence and entertainment factor he brings every time he walks out to bat.

"He is leaving no stone unturned, putting every ounce of force he can into the cricket ball. The way he played, even in the U-19 World Cup final, putting everything together, he is looking like a box-office player. There are very few windows in your cricketing career where you can absolutely enjoy your cricket, and he is only 15 years old. I think we should just let him be. There is no point asking him to do things he shouldn't be doing at this stage of his career," JioStar expert Ashwin said.

Highlighting the teenager's attacking mindset, Ashwin said Sooryavanshi possesses the qualities to succeed across formats for India.

"He is taking every bowler down. I wouldn't mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn't mind watching him in all three formats of the game. Get him onto cricket grounds, get people coming along, because he is going to entertain you," he added.