Indian teen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hailed as future star after IPL 2026 triumph

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi praised 15‑year‑old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster could become bigger than football legend Lionel Messi and major film stars. Sooryavanshi secured the Orange Cap in the 2026 Indian Premier League, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches, and is set to play for India A in a tri‑series in Sri Lanka with a possible fast‑track to the senior T20 side for upcoming series against Ireland and England.

The Rajasthan Royals reached the playoffs but were defeated by the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. Their top order—Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi—provided the bulk of the runs, while the bowling attack, highlighted by Jofra Archer’s 25 wickets at 9.32 economy, lacked consistency. The team’s management is considering more stability in the bowling line‑up ahead of IPL 2027.