A Heartwarming Gesture from a Cricket Legend
The name Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become synonymous with talent and humility in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batting sensation from Rajasthan Royals continues to impress with his skills and personality. After one of the finest innings in IPL 2026 history, where he scored 97 off just 29 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL Eliminator, Sooryavanshi was once again praised by the cricket fraternity for showing utmost respect to a legend of the game.
Before the match in Mullanpur, during a pre-match broadcast on the ground, Sooryavanshi walked up to former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, touched his feet, and sought his blessings. The video of this emotional moment went viral and was appreciated by fans all over the country. It was the perfect example of the humility the young batting sensation possesses despite being one of the biggest stars of IPL 2026.
Gavaskar’s Words of Encouragement
Sooryavanshi has been in phenomenal form for Rajasthan Royals throughout the season with his fearless approach and game-changing performances. In a conversation with India Today after the Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Eliminator clash, Gavaskar revealed the advice he gave to the 15-year-old.
Gavaskar said:
“What I would say to him is exactly what I said to him yesterday when he came just before the match, and we were doing a show on the ground. When he came and he touched my feet and I, and all I said to him was, ‘lage raho bete, lage raho,’ and that is exactly what I would say if I was batting with him down the other end.”
Gavaskar is a huge admirer of the fearlessness that the 15-year-old has shown in this season of IPL and breaking Chris Gayle’s record of the maximum number of sixes in an IPL season has already made him one of the most talked-about cricketers.
A Call for Early International Debut
Though there are discussions going on regarding the careful handling of the young prodigy, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for the international circuit and deserves an early India debut.
Gavaskar further added in an interview to Sports Tak:
“2026 will be remembered as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Year. He (Sooryavanshi) is ready to play T20 International cricket. For England away T20 series, he will be selected. I mean he deserves to be selected after this brilliant show. If you don’t give him chance after this performance, when will you give him chance?”
Gavaskar also rubbished the doubts regarding the age factor of the youngster and stated that his performance against some of the biggest names in world cricket in IPL 2026 clearly showcases that he has got the mental ability to handle the pressure.
A Fearless Approach
Gavaskar concluded:
“Don’t go by his age. He is hitting those bowlers who are older than him. In fact, at 15, he is hitting bowlers with 15 years of international experience. Just look at his fearless approach.”
However, if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is selected for the Indian T20I team, one amongst Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson might have to sit out in the playing XI. This decision could have significant implications for the team’s strategy and balance.
