NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a remarkable impression on the cricketing world at 15, and Australia pace great Brett Lee believes the teenager has everything required to achieve “bigger and better things” — provided he is protected from the pressure accompanying his rapid rise.Sooryavanshi became one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026 after an extraordinary campaign for Rajasthan Royals. The left-hander scored 776 runs in 16 matches to claim the Orange Cap, repeatedly displaying a fearless approach against some of the world’s best bowlers.His performances earned him a fast-track call-up to India’s T20I side. After a difficult start to international cricket during the England series, Sooryavanshi responded impressively on India’s Zimbabwe tour, finishing as Player of the Series.For Lee, however, the teenager’s age should not overshadow what he is already doing on the field.
‘This kid can play cricket’
Sooryavanshi’s age has become a constant talking point outside India, but Lee believes the focus should be on his ability rather than the number attached to his name.“He is incredible. Everyone offshore, away from India, asks the question if he’s 15. He is 15 is probably the biggest talking point around the world. I don’t care how old he is. If he’s 15, fantastic, but if he’s 17 or 18, who cares. This kid can play cricket. He has been such a great find for India, and he’s going to go on to achieve bigger and better things,” Lee said on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel.The former Australia fast bowler was particularly impressed by Sooryavanshi’s ability to take on express pace during the IPL, including against Australian quicks.“He has already lit up the IPL in such a short space of time. That 97 he got (vs SRH), he was up against Aussie bowlers. They were bowling gas, and he was hooking them off his nose. He is playing proper cricketing shots and has power that he finds from somewhere,” Lee said.
‘It’ll only be his mind’
While Lee sees little reason to worry about Sooryavanshi’s batting or current form, he believes the mental side of the game will be the biggest test as expectations continue to grow.“It won’t be his form or batting; it’ll only be his mind. He still has to be a kid. Let him be a kid and don’t put too much pressure,” Lee said.The warning comes after Sooryavanshi’s rapid transition from teenage prospect to IPL star and then an India international. The attention surrounding him is only likely to increase as he continues to perform at the highest level.
How Lee would have bowled to Sooryavanshi
Lee also offered an insight into how he would have approached the challenge of bowling to the teenager, particularly given Sooryavanshi’s confidence against short-pitched deliveries.“If someone was a good hooker or puller of the ball, I used to love that because then it becomes a contest. So of course I would go into the boardroom, go upstairs and have a look. I’ll put one on his badge and see what he does with it. He might hook me for six, but it won’t discourage me from giving him another one,” Lee said.For a player who has already shown he is not intimidated by reputation or pace, such contests could become a defining feature of Sooryavanshi’s early career.But Lee’s message is clear: the teenager’s biggest battle may not be against fast bowlers at all. It may be learning to handle everything that comes with being cricket’s latest teenage sensation.
