Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive IPL 2026 season has not only stunned bowlers but also silenced many doubts around his age and ability. As the 15-year-old continues to dominate attacks for the Rajasthan Royals, stories from his early cricket journey are now resurfacing.
One such account came from net bowler Prakash Jha, who said, “He’s been playing this book cricket since 8 years of age.”
The remark reflects how long Sooryavanshi has trained with discipline and fearless intent. His rise from age-check controversies to becoming IPL’s biggest attraction has quickly turned him into one of Indian cricket’s most talked-about young names.
Jha’s comments gained attention after Sooryavanshi’s latest assault on Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he smashed 97 runs from just 29 balls. The innings pushed him to the top of the IPL 2026 run charts. More importantly, it added fresh weight to the belief that his performances are the result of years of preparation rather than sudden hype. Those who trained with him earlier now describe the same traits seen on television today – power, aggression, and relentless focus.
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How has Sooryavanshi developed his game?
The recent accolades of Prakash Jha corroborate many anecdotes surrounding the childhood days of Sooryavanshi as a cricketer. Sources close to him reveal that by the time he turned 10, he had started batting against older boys and strong bowlers. The aggressive nature of Sooryavanshi was evident back then as well. One of the stories about him involved ripping open a practice net with his pulling shot in the training sessions. On the other hand, his father, Sanjiv Sooryavanshi, has always come to his defense against any accusations regarding his age. He revealed that Vaibhav was subjected to bone examinations conducted by the BCCI when he was almost eight and a half years old. Although the entire report was not disclosed, the BCCI still allowed him to play in junior tournaments, including India Under-19 cricket.
Soon after, his performances started speaking louder than the controversy. In January 2024, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar at the age of 12 years and 284 days. Months later, he smashed a 58-ball century against Australia Under-19. Then came the IPL breakthrough. Rajasthan Royals signed him in the 2024 auction, making him the youngest player ever picked in league history. Since then, his fearless batting has only grown sharper.
According to Prakash, Sooryavanshi under the support of Ex-Indian Cricketer VVS Laxman has practiced at the highest level possible about which he said, “At such a young age, he has already gone through things that even a 30 year old hasn’t.”
Orange Cap Holder in IPL 2026
Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 numbers have completely changed the conversation around him. The Rajasthan Royals opener has scored 680 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 242.85. He currently holds the Orange Cap as the season’s highest run-scorer. More significantly, he has broken several long-standing records during the campaign. He now holds the record for most runs by an uncapped player in a single IPL season. His 65 sixes also broke Chris Gayle’s previous mark of 59 maximums in one edition. In the powerplay alone, he scored 490 runs, the highest ever recorded in IPL history.
One of his biggest moments came against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the group stages, where he blasted 103 runs off just 37 deliveries, registering the third-fastest century in IPL history. In the Eliminator clash against the same side, he hammered 97 from only 29 balls and smashed Pat Cummins for three straight sixes.
