With the Indian Premier League 2026 set to kick off in just six days, all eyes are once again on Vaibhav Suryavanshi. gave Rajasthan Royals The prodigy, who turns 15 this Friday, bounced back from a brilliant debut last year when he scored a 35-ball century against Gujarat Giants, leaving fans and bowlers stunned. This innings made him the youngest to score a century. IPL History and fastest Indian to reach triple figures, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s record.Suryavanshi’s rise has been seasonal. During the IPL mega auction for the 2025 season, he signed a deal worth Rs 1.1 crore with Rajasthan Royals, making him the youngest ever player to be signed. Over the past year, he has dominated the continent, scoring centuries in Australia, South Africa and England. His breakthrough moment came in the U-19 World Cup final against England, where he scored 175 runs off just 80 balls, including 15 fours and six sixes. His 55-ball century is one of the fastest in U-19 World Cup history, helping India lift the trophy for the sixth time.But as IPL 2026 approaches, Suryavanshi faces new challenges. The bowlers are believed to have studied his game and will try to expose weaknesses. His talent is unquestionable, and many see him as a potential trailblazer and future legend. Still, not everyone is convinced of his professional approach.But AB de Villiersyoutube channel, Jitesh Sharmawho captained Suryavanshi during India A’s Asia Cup campaign last year, praised the youngster’s skills but expressed doubts about his off-field habits. “Right now, Vibhu Suryavanshi. I think he can dominate world cricket. He has gear number 6 and very good skills,” Sharma said when asked which youngster he would invest in.De Villiers was praised for watching Suryavanshi’s masterclass of 175 runs in the U-19 World Cup final. “He’s a great player. I saw him in the Under-19s. It’s not always easy when you get a taste of IPL and big cricket, and still show the same quality. I was impressed with the way he played in this World Cup, very professional. He’s very mature for his age,” said the former South Africa captain.De Villiers added that Suryavanshi stayed true to his game plan, the style he used in the IPL, without being arrogant or trying to be someone else. “But he will be professional,” he said.Sharma, however, was more skeptical. “He’s not a professional. I can tell you. Everyone is trying to make him professional, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a professional. He might be on the field, but off the field, he won’t be. I’m doing my best. I tell him not to eat ice cream at night,” he added.
