IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ‘could be burnt out by 21’ - explosive claim on RR prodigy

NEW DELHI: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to leave the cricket world in awe, and now even former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook have joined the growing conversation around the Rajasthan Royals prodigy — with a humorous twist.

During a discussion on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Vaughan and Cook marvelled at the 15-year-old’s astonishing rise in the IPL before joking about the possibility of him being “burnt out by 21”.

Sooryavanshi has become one of the biggest stories in franchise cricket since making his IPL debut in April 2025 at just 14 years and 23 days old. In only 17 IPL matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the youngster has already amassed 656 runs at an average of 38.59 and a jaw-dropping strike rate of 224.66, including two centuries and three half-centuries.

The left-hander created history in IPL 2025 when he smashed 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest-ever T20 centurion. His hundred came in only 35 deliveries — the second-fastest century in IPL history.

He followed it up in IPL 2026 with another blistering ton, hammering 103 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Speaking on the podcast, Vaughan highlighted how rapidly the youngster is closing in on some of the league’s most explosive records.

“This kid has already hit 100 in 35 and 36. He's catching up with the boss,” Vaughan said, referring to Chris Gayle’s record 30-ball IPL century.

Vaughan also pointed to Sooryavanshi’s remarkable six-hitting ability.

“Most sixes by any Indian batter in IPL history is 42 by Abhishek Sharma in 2024. This kid's on 37 now. They're the best six hitter in the world as we speak,” he added.

The conversation then took a humorous turn when one of the panelists joked, “He could be burnt out by 21.”

Vaughan responded with another quip: “He will have enough cash by 21, he might retire.”

Cook then delivered the punchline that left the panel laughing: “He can’t be burnt out, he plays 30 balls.”

Beyond the IPL, Sooryavanshi has already built a glittering resume. He starred in India’s victorious 2026 Under-19 World Cup campaign and was named Player of the Tournament after smashing 175 off 80 balls in the final against England.

At just 15, Sooryavanshi is not merely breaking records — he is rapidly redefining expectations for young batters in T20 cricket.