Lalit Modi blown away by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, recalls initial doubts about RR's teen sensation: ‘Is this real?'

Lalit Modi revealed that during Vaibhav Sooryanavshi's debut IPL season in 2025, he initially didn't believe that the youngster was 14.

Published on: Apr 17, 2026, 16:14:53 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Lalit Modi called Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 'the face of Indian cricket in the future', hailing the teenage Rajasthan Royals opener for his batting skills. The 15-year-old has been in dominant form this season, carrying on his momentum from his debut campaign. In IPL 2026, he is currently seventh in the Orange Cap race and also RR's highest run-scorer, with 200 runs in five matches at an average of 40.00 and a strike rate of 263.15. The teenager has also registered two half-centuries.

Lalit Modi made a huge prediction about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10, he clobbered 78 runs off 26 balls, packed with eight fours and seven sixes, striking at 300.00. Despite his whirlwind knock, he looked a little disappointed as he missed out on a ton.

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‘Is this real or is somebody making this up?’: Lalit Modi

Speaking to Michael Vaughan on Overlap Cricket, Modi revealed that during Sooryanavshi's debut IPL season in 2025, he initially didn't believe that the youngster was 14.

"I can tell you that kid is going to go out there and be the face of Indian cricket in the future. Look at the confidence on the kid’s face. 14 years old! My son is 14… I saw this kid hit, [I thought] ‘Not possible, I am dreaming. It’s not possible that this kid is 14. Seriously?’ I am Googling it, I am calling out people, [asking], ‘Is this real or is somebody making this up?’ And I am getting these messages, and I tell them I am watching. Not once, not twice, this guy has outperformed everybody," he said.

Modi also feels that there are many more young, talented cricketers like Sooryavanshi in India, and it's all due to the IPL's impact. "The good thing is we probably have another 50 of them in our country," he said.

"And this is what the IPL has done: it has opened up a whole arena for people to aspire to," he added.

Sooryavanshi came into the limelight last year after Sanju Samson was sidelined due to an injury. He made his debut against Lucknow Super Giants, opening the batting for RR,, and became the youngest player in IPL history at 14 years and 23 days old.

Last year, he slammed 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.00 and 206.55 strike rate, packed with a half-century and a hundred. In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has forged a strong opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the pair have been key in RR's third-placed position in the points table.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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