The 2026 IPL season had another teen star emerge in the form of a talented teenager who has taken cricket by storm in India. According to former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, it seems like there is much more ahead in the young player’s life as he has sent him a special message. This is because Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi broke many records this season and was praised immensely by former IPL chief Modi for his bravery. To help him further in his life and career beyond cricket, he offered an unconditional education scholarship for all universities worldwide. He expressed his strong faith in him, calling him a global superstar in the making.
Former IPL chairman has offered Vaibhav an educational opportunity, as he said, “As someone who has always believed that sport must create opportunity, not just entertainment, I would like to offer Vaibhav a full educational scholarship – to any university or college anywhere in the world – completely funded, should he ever wish to pursue it.”
Modi made sure that his message included more than just congratulating the young talent on what he achieved this season. According to him, he was motivated to give a scholarship to the player because he impressed everyone due to his immense self-confidence and belief in himself at a very early age. In addition to praising him, Modi supported the idea of batting legend Sooryavanshi scoring a T20 double century someday and promised that he will definitely do it.
How Lalit Modi Has Been Backing Sooryavanshi Since IPL 2026
Lalit Modi’s Earlier Praise for Sooryavanshi
Speaking during a podcast with former England captain Michael Vaughan earlier in IPL, Lalit Modi did not hold back in his admiration for the youngster, as he said, “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.”
Modi had already identified Sooryavanshi as a future leader of Indian cricket earlier in the IPL season. During a podcast conversation with former England captain Michael Vaughan, he highlighted the youngster’s confidence and composure under pressure. Modi said Sooryavanshi had the qualities needed to become the next face of Indian cricket.
However, he also stressed the importance of careful development. Drawing attention to the challenges that come with early fame, Modi said managing expectations and staying focused would be crucial for a player so young. His comments reflected both admiration for the talent and concern for ensuring a long and successful career. Similar praise came from former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim, who said the batter’s era had begun and pointed to his smart strike rotation as a sign of maturity.
Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 Highlights
Numbers from IPL 2026 of Sooryavanshi show what made him famous. In 16 matches, he played for Rajasthan Royals and made 776 runs being the highest scorer of the tournament. It got him the Orange Cap making him the youngest player with such achievement. Besides, he had the strike rate of 237.30 and the average of 48.50. He played a century and five half centuries during the season. He hit 63 fours and 72 sixes beating the record of Chris Gayle, who had the most sixes in a single IPL season. Among his memorable innings are 103 off 37 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 97 off 29 in the Eliminator against the same team, 96 off 47 against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, 93 off 38 against Lucknow Super Giants, and 78 off 26 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His amazing season made him the winner of five prestigious awards. He received the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player of the Season, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, and Super Sixes of the Season. At the age of 15, Sooryavanshi became the star of IPL 2026.
