'Plays like gully cricket': Mohammed Kaif in awe of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blazing century

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped rich praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his breathtaking century for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.

The 15-year-old lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium with a sensational 103 off just 37 balls, smashing 12 sixes and five fours in an innings that left fans and experts in awe. Although Rajasthan Royals eventually fell short as SRH chased down the target, Sooryavanshi’s knock remained the highlight of the contest.

Calling him a rare talent, Kaif said on Jio Hotstar, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a once-in-a-generation talent. At just 15, he is making the best bowlers in the IPL look ordinary.”

He pointed to the youngster’s fearless approach, particularly his aggressive intent against Praful Hinge. Sooryavanshi hammered four consecutive sixes off the pacer, avenging his earlier dismissal against him in Hyderabad and showcasing his ability to dominate under pressure.

Kaif also highlighted how the teenager showed no hesitation against world-class opposition, including Pat Cummins. “He even hit his first ball against Cummins for a huge six. He plays like he’s in a gully game, fearless and free,” Kaif remarked.

“Two hundreds in two seasons, both at a strike-rate above 250. That tells you everything about his mindset. He doesn’t care about the name of the bowler or the match situation. He just keeps attacking,” he added.

Kaif further underlined the technical strengths that make Sooryavanshi special. “He bats like a veteran who has played international cricket for ten years. His ability to pick the length early, his balance at the crease, and his raw power are all world-class.”

He also praised the youngster’s temperament, calling it a rare quality at such a young age. “He also has a calm head on his young shoulders. That is a rare combination,” he said.

“If he stays fit, stays hungry, and keeps his focus, Indian cricket has found its next superstar for the next 20 to 25 years,” he concluded.

Despite the young batter’s heroics, SRH pulled off a successful chase, thanks to crucial contributions from Ishan Kishan (74) and Abhishek Sharma (57), who stitched together a match-winning 132-run partnership.

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