A Rising Star and Unusual Accusations
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a young batsman for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with a century that left many in awe. However, his meteoric rise has also sparked some unusual claims. One such claim came from Pakistan’s cricket expert Nauman Niaz, who suggested that Sooryavanshi might be using an “AI chip” in his bat.
This comment was made shortly after the 15-year-old’s remarkable century, which showcased his immense talent and potential. Despite the praise he has received, Sooryavanshi has also faced criticism, with some questioning the authenticity of his performances.
The Bizarre Claim
During a show, Nauman Niaz raised doubts about how a young player could possess such power in his batting. He questioned the teenager’s physical capabilities, given his age and the fact that he was born when Virat Kohli was already a world champion. Niaz speculated that Sooryavanshi might have an AI chip in his bat, comparing the situation to doping tests conducted by WADA.
He added:
“Think about it. What is this kid? Get his bat checked. Like WADA conducts dope tests, send him to a lab. He probably used an AI chip in his bat. He is unreal. What a player. I did get a feeling he was playing a tad slow. This made me think, what is this guy? When you’re 18, your body builds muscle, biceps, and triceps. This one is just 16. He doesn’t have the power game as much as he has technique. He is a wristy player, plus, if you look at this arc, he used the full 360 degree.”
While the video of this statement went viral on social media, many dismissed it as hyperbole or desperation. Others, however, chose to focus on Sooryavanshi’s skills and consistency.
No Evidence, But Great Performances
There is currently no evidence to support the claim that Sooryavanshi used an AI chip in his bat. The player has adhered to all rules and has received praise from many retired professionals for his technique and composure.
Sooryavanshi’s statistics speak volumes about his abilities. He recently scored a century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in just 36 balls, making it one of the fastest centuries in IPL history. Prior to that, he scored 78 off 26 deliveries against RCB and was just a few balls away from breaking the record for the fastest IPL ton.
In eight outings during IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has accumulated 357 runs, placing him second in the race for the Orange Cap. He is outscoring big names like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, with only Heinrich Klaasen ahead of him among overseas players.
A Prodigy on the Rise
Sooryavanshi has already made a significant impact in international cricket, scoring runs across England, Australia, and South Africa. He played a crucial role in helping India win the U-19 World Cup earlier this year. With his current form and age, an India cap seems inevitable.
His combination of technique, composure, and aggressive style of play makes him a standout talent. As he continues to shine in the IPL, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how far this young prodigy can go.
