Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his explosive performances in IPL 2026, saying the youngster possesses a power-hitting ability that even West Indies legend Brian Lara would have admired. Karthik made the remarks while discussing the Rajasthan Royals batter’s rapid rise this season. Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the standout players of the tournament and currently leads the run charts.

The 15-year-old has scored 400 runs in nine matches at an average of 44.44, making him the first player to cross the 400-run mark in IPL 2026. His remarkable consistency has made him a major talking point, with scores of 52, 31, 39, 78, 0, 46, 8, 103 and 43 so far. The performances have also earned him the Orange Cap as the leading run-scorer of the season.

Speaking about Sooryavanshi’s batting mechanics, Karthik said the youngster generates exceptional power through a compact technique and stable head position. He noted that unlike players who rely on flourish or exaggerated follow-through, Sooryavanshi appears to strike the ball cleanly and efficiently. Karthik said Lara, despite being one of cricket’s finest stroke-makers, would have appreciated the teenager’s natural ability to hit with force.

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Karthik also compared Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach to former India opener Virender Sehwag. According to him, the youngster appears undaunted by reputation and is willing to attack elite bowlers regardless of their stature. He suggested that much like Sehwag in his prime, Sooryavanshi seems motivated by the challenge of facing world-class opponents and dominating them.

The former cricketer said Sooryavanshi’s hand-eye coordination is another major strength, especially given his young age. He added that players with such confidence and timing can become dangerous assets in T20 cricket, where aggressive intent often shifts momentum quickly. Analysts have increasingly highlighted the teenager’s composure and ability to perform under pressure.

Sooryavanshi’s latest contribution came in Rajasthan Royals’ match against Punjab Kings, where he smashed a rapid 43 off just 16 balls. With one century and two half-centuries already this season, he has firmly established himself as one of IPL 2026’s breakout stars. If he maintains the same form, the young batter could become one of the most closely watched talents in Indian cricket.

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