Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the next Virat Kohli? IPL chairman gives definitive verd
The cricketing world is currently witnessing one of the most sensational stories in modern sports history, centered around a 15-year-old batting prodigy. As fans and analysts marvel at the young star’s exploits, a burning question has emerged on every cricket enthusiast’s lips: Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the next Virat Kohli? IPL chairman gives definitive verd on this fascinating comparison that has dominated headlines throughout the IPL 2026 season.
Playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has captured the imagination of millions globally. At just 15 years of age, his fearless, boundary-clearing style against some of the fastest and most experienced bowlers in the world has ignited debate over whether India has found its next batting megastar. With comparisons to all-time greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli growing louder by the day, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal recently shared his invaluable insights on the youngster’s meteoric rise and the profound impact he is making on the world’s premier T20 league.
A Teenage Sensation Taking the IPL 2026 by Storm
The Indian Premier League has long been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, but the emergence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026 feels entirely unprecedented. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the young left-hander has played with a level of maturity and aggression that belies his tender age. Instead of being intimidated by the grand stage, Sooryavanshi has embraced the spotlight, taking down world-class bowling attacks with remarkable ease.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal admitted that Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking batting displays have significantly enhanced the tournament’s brand value. Players with such raw charisma and explosive ability are incredibly valuable assets for the league. After years of dominance by iconic figures like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, the arrival of a fresh, teenage face has injected a vibrant new energy into the competition.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal Speaks on the Young Prodigy
In a recent conversation with Revsportz, Arun Dhumal acknowledged the incredible fan engagement that young prodigies bring to the stadium. While the chants for established legends like Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit continue to echo across venues, the rise of a new hero is always a special moment for Indian cricket.
“For sure. We have seen chants for Dhoni, Virat, and Rohit echo around stadiums wherever they play. These kinds of stars definitely have huge traction with fans. He has been a breath of fresh air, and it augurs very well for the tournament going forward. He has time on his side. He is only 15 and can contribute for many years to come,” Dhumal remarked.
The IPL chairman also drew parallels to past legends who started their journeys at an incredibly young age, highlighting how early exposure helped them build long and illustrious careers. He pointed out that both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli entered the top-tier arena very early, allowing them to adapt, evolve, and sustain their greatness over decades. Dhumal even jokingly added that “Virat is probably fitter now than he was before,” emphasizing the standard of professionalism that young players can aspire to achieve today.
Bridging the Gap Between Domestic and International Cricket
A key factor in the rapid development of players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the structure of modern cricket, heavily anchored by the IPL. Dhumal credited the league for creating an environment where young talents can mature at an accelerated pace. Before the inception of the IPL, promising cricketers spent years grinding through domestic circuits before finally facing elite international bowlers.
The IPL has completely transformed this pathway. Today, a 15-year-old domestic player can walk out to the crease and face global icons without fear. “That is why a great deal of credit should go to the IPL for exposing young players to the best bowling attacks in the world,” Dhumal stated, adding that bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket remains one of the IPL’s proudest accomplishments.
The Football Comparison: Messi, Yamal, Kohli, and Sooryavanshi
As the hype around Sooryavanshi grew, sports commentators began drawing comparisons to global football, where Argentina legend Lionel Messi’s legacy is seemingly being carried forward by Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. When asked if a similar transition of power is happening in cricket, with Virat Kohli passing the baton to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhumal chose not to entertain the direct comparison. Instead, he steered the conversation back to the youngster’s unique traits and natural game.
Dhumal emphasized that rather than labeling the young player as the “next” version of someone else, the cricketing community should appreciate his individual brilliance. The youngster plays with zero fear, keeping his eyes firmly on the ball regardless of whether he is facing Jasprit Bumrah or Pat Cummins. His primary objective is simple: clear the boundary and play attacking cricket.
To put Sooryavanshi’s explosive nature into perspective, Dhumal pointed to an extraordinary game where the 15-year-old batted alongside established star Yashasvi Jaiswal. “Yashasvi Jaiswal is also an exceptional talent across formats. In one game, Yashasvi scored 29 off 29 deliveries while Vaibhav scored 97 off 29 deliveries. That says it all,” Dhumal concluded.
While the IPL chairman maintained that he is not supporting any specific franchise and is simply “supporting good cricket,” his admiration for the young Rajasthan Royals batter is undeniable. Whether Sooryavanshi will scale the heights of Kohli remains to be seen, but he has certainly set the stage for a spectacular career.
