Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14, has emerged as one of cricket’s brightest young talents, earning worldwide attention after his extraordinary 175-run innings off 80 balls in the U19 World Cup 2026 final against England. His performance led India to a dominant 100-run victory, earning him both the ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ awards.

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher compared Suryavanshi’s batting style to legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, calling the teenager’s timing, hand speed, and follow-through “astonishingly similar” to the cricket icon. Butcher shared his insights on the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast, highlighting Suryavanshi’s technical brilliance and natural power.

Butcher emphasized that Suryavanshi’s approach mirrors Sobers’ historic elegance, recalling Sobers’ famous six sixes in an over for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, a feat that made him the first batter in professional cricket history to achieve this milestone. “It looks exactly the same,” Butcher said, underscoring the rare combination of timing, power, and skill in Suryavanshi’s game.

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Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, scored 26 centuries and maintained a Test average of nearly 58 over a career spanning more than two decades. The comparison to such a legendary figure highlights the exceptional potential of the young Indian prodigy.

Suryavanshi’s innings in the U19 World Cup final was marked by powerful drives, impeccable footwork, and clinical shot placement, captivating audiences and analysts alike. His ability to dominate the opposition at such a young age has sparked conversations about his future role in India’s senior national team.

Cricket enthusiasts and former players have praised Suryavanshi not only for his raw talent but also for his maturity under pressure and strategic acumen. As India celebrates its U19 World Cup triumph, many view Suryavanshi as the next global cricket superstar capable of leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

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