IPL 2026: ‘Next face of Indian Cricket’: Lalit Modi backs RR prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavasnhi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s big hits haven’t just enthralled audiences at stadiums and fan parks that light up during the Indian Premier League. They’ve also made the brain behind the IPL sit up and take notice.

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi believes the teenager has all the attributes to become the face of Indian cricket in the years ahead.

Sooryavanshi, just 15 years old, has already showcased remarkable maturity and composure at the highest level of franchise cricket. Representing Rajasthan Royals, he has played a pivotal role in the team’s strong start to the season. With two half-centuries under his belt and an astonishing strike rate of 263.16, the young batter has demonstrated an aggressive yet controlled approach rarely seen at such an early stage.

Speaking during a podcast with former England captain Michael Vaughan, Lalit Modi did not hold back in his admiration for the youngster’s talent and temperament.

“Look at the young kid. Look at (Vaibhav) Sooryavanshi. I can tell you now that kid is going to go out there and be the new face of Indian cricket in the future. The confidence in the kid. Look at the confidence in the kid and his face. 14 years old! My son is 14 years old,” said Lalit told Michael Vaughan.

But then came a note of caution. Modi emphasised that nurturing such a young prodigy requires careful handling.

Drawing from past examples in cricket, he pointed out that managing success and attention is often as important as talent itself. Ensuring that Sooryavanshi remains grounded and focused will be key to translating his early promise into a long and successful career.

Praise is never far from Sooryavanshi. Recently, former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim said the opener's “era has begun”, noting how his strike rotation after a fiery powerplay start reflects a “sound mindset”.

In the fixture against RCB, the 15-year-old continued to deliver merciless hitting against the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, single-handedly snatching the match from defending champions within the powerplay itself with a knock of 78 in 26 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes.

Speaking on 'Star Sports Cricket Live', JioStar expert Karim termed Vaibhav's knock as an "astounding display".

“It feels like the era of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has just begun, and it's a pleasure to watch him bat. There is an abundance of talent, combined with confident stroke play and a mature approach. He looked equally comfortable against pace and quality spin, with shots all around the wicket. It also seemed like he was building towards a hundred, after his aggressive start in the Powerplay. He began rotating the strike and looking for singles. Unfortunately, it didn't materialise, but it reflects a very sound mindset," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)