Rajasthan Royals cautioned over Sooryavanshi: Dravid-like mentor key this season
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan urges caution around teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 hype, acknowledging his potential while highlighting upcoming challenges. Pathan believes Vaibhav's consistent scoring across formats proves his 'dum,' suggesting this season could be his breakout. Mental resilience and adaptation will be key for the 15-year-old prodigy.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sounded a note of caution around the rising hype surrounding teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026, while also backing the youngster to deliver in what could be a defining season. Speaking on JioStar, Pathan pointed out that the real test for Vaibhav will begin now, with teams expected to come up with clear strategies to counter his explosive batting. “There will be challenges for Vaibhav.
Teams will come with specific plans against him. We’ve already seen how teams planned for Abhishek, and Vaibhav will face something similar. But I think he has the ‘dum’.
He scores wherever he plays - be it U-19, India A, or red-ball cricket. He’s been consistently making runs. Last season, we saw him in just seven games.
This season, he’s likely to get a full run of matches, so there is every chance this could be a breakout season for Vaibhav,” Pathan said. Vaibhav heads into IPL 2026 as one of the most talked-about young players in the Indian Premier League. The 14-year-old grabbed headlines last season with a stunning 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest player to score a hundred in IPL history and the fastest Indian to reach the milestone, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s record.