Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leaves Pakistan legend saying what India fans never expected to hear

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is currently on top of the Orange Cap race with 680 runs in 15 matches at an average of 45.33 and a 242.85 strike rate.

Updated on: May 29, 2026, 10:22:59 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf compared Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Shahid Afridi, labelling the Rajasthan Royals opener as the 'future' of cricket. Sooryavanshi has been in hot form in IPL 2026 and is arguably the league's main marquee player. In RR's Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he once again justified the hype around him, with a sizzling 29-ball 97. The 15-year-old slammed five fours and 12 sixes and was also striking at 334.48.

A former Pakistan player made a huge claim on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Sooryavanshi is currently on top of the Orange Cap race with 680 runs in 15 matches at an average of 45.33 and a 242.85 strike rate. He has also managed a ton and four fifties. He has the most maximums (65) this season and has also hit 55 fours.

Also Read: Winning formula for Gujarat Titans against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Rajasthan Royals: This is the only way they can win

‘The future is here!’

Taking to X, Yousuf wrote, "15-year-old cricket sensation #Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds me of @SAfridiofficial young, fearless, explosive, full of energy. The future is here! #Cricket #IPL2026".

Like Afridi in his younger days, Sooryavanshi has been playing with remarkable freedom. He attacks opposition bowlers with ease and eyes boundaries from the start. Sooryavanshi has also been unfazed by pressure situations. Sooryavanshi's natural instinct is to dominate. That aggressive intent is perhaps what reminded Yousuf of a young Afridi, who entertained fans and frustrated bowlers with his unpredictable and destructive batting.

When Afridi walked out to bat, fans expected fireworks regardless of the match situation. A similar bond has developed between Sooryavanshi and its fans.

Afridi was not just a power-hitter, but also a world-class leg spinner, who finished his career with more than 500 international wickets.

Yousuf's claim is justified if viewed through the lens of batting temperament. He highlighted the fearless attitude, explosive stroke play and ability to electrify audiences at a young age.

Just like Afridi, whenever Sooryavanshi bats, there is an element of surprise. Afridi stunned the world with his fearless shot-making at a time when it was rare in international cricket. Meanwhile, Sooryaanshi has emerged in an era packed with T20 specialists but still stands out for his willingness to attack from the first ball. The ability to impose himself on bowlers, regardless of reputation, is a trait not often seen in young players.

But Afridi's career was marked by incredible highs and periods of inconsistency, due to his ultra-aggressive approach. For Sooryavanshi, his biggest challenge will be mixing fearlessness with game awareness. If he can add his natural attacking instincts with consistency and maturity, he will be carving out a unique legacy of his own.

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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