Brett Lee shuts down Vaibhav Sooryavanshi age debate: 'Everyone away from India asks if he's 15. Who cares?'

Brett Lee has also backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to achieve bigger things in the years ahead, brushing aside the ongoing debate over the teenager’s age.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already left the cricketing world in awe, with several legends praising the teenager for what he has achieved at just 15. The left-handed batter showed during IPL 2026 that he is not intimidated by big names or the reputation of the bowlers he faces. His fearless approach, wide range of shots and impressive bat speed helped him enjoy a remarkable season and made him one of the most talked-about young players in the tournament.

Brett Lee has no doubts over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s future (AP)

His performances in the IPL earned him a fast-track call-up to India’s T20I squad. Sooryavanshi endured a slow start to international cricket during the series against England, but quickly turned things around on the Zimbabwe tour. He finished the series as Player of the Series, underlining his ability to bounce back and deliver at the highest level despite his young age.

Brett Lee has also backed Sooryavanshi to achieve bigger things in the years ahead, brushing aside the ongoing debate over the teenager’s age. The former Australia pacer believes the focus should instead be on the young batter’s ability and what he has already shown on the field.

"He is incredible. Everyone offshore, away from India, asks the question if he's 15. Is he 15 is probably the biggest talking point around the world. I don't care how old he is. If he's 15, fantastic, but if he's 17 or 18, who cares. This kid can play cricket. He has been such a great find for India, and he's going to go on to achieve bigger and better things," Lee said on Beer Biceps YouTube channel.

Lee has also highlighted the remarkable maturity Sooryavanshi has shown despite his age, pointing to his fearless batting against some of the fastest bowlers in the IPL. However, he believes the biggest challenge for the teenager will be handling the attention and expectations that come with his rapid rise.

"He has already lit up the IPL in such a short space of time. That 97 he got (vs SRH), he was up against Aussie bowlers. They were bowling gas, and he was hooking them off his nose. He is playing proper cricketing shots and has power that he finds from somewhere. It won't be his form or batting; it'll only be his mind. He still has to be a kid. Let him be a kid and don't put too much pressure," the Aussie said.

Lee's plan for Sooryavanshi

Lee also revealed how he would have approached bowling to Sooryavanshi, admitting that the teenager’s ability against short-pitched deliveries would have made for an intriguing contest.

"If someone was a good hooker or puller of the ball, I used to love that because then it becomes a contest. So of course I would go into the boardroom, go upstairs and have a look. I'll put one on his badge and see what he does with it. He might hook me for six, but it won't discourage me from giving him another one," said Lee.