Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ability to defeat elite bowlers in his IPL 2026 opening knock was a testament to his unique talent and gutsy style.
The 15-year-old helped the Rajasthan Royals defeat CSK on Monday by smashing a 15-ball fifty.
In his thrilling knock, Sooryavanshi destroyed bowlers like Matt Henry and Noor Ahmad, one year after becoming the youngest player to record an IPL hundred.
“Vaibhav Suryavanshi was a class apart. He dominated a good bowling attack. He took on Matt Henry, a new ball bowler, who challenges top batters internationally,” PTI quoted Bangar telling Star Sports.
“He toyed with Khaleel Ahmed, who swings the ball both ways. He got the better of Anshul Kamboj, known for hitting the deck hard with good length deliveries. He even made life difficult for mystery bowler Noor Ahmad.”
Bangar described the characteristics that set the teenager different from the others.
“At the age of 15, he dominated four quality bowlers with his fearless batting and forced them to move away from their strengths. Henry had to bowl slower balls.
“Khaleel had to try different things. He put pressure on all of them. That shows Vaibhav, with his fearless approach, is getting into the minds of established bowlers. I admired that quality in his innings. The start this wonder boy has had makes sure it’s going to be a cracker of a season for him,” he added.
Sooryavanshi hit two sixes off Ahmad and Henry, respectively. A six over deep point off Henry was his standout stroke.
