Matthew Hayden has refuted allegations that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can only play in the shortest form of international cricket, instead praising the teenager’s success in all three forms. Despite his young, Sooryavanshi, born on March 27, 2011, has already had a significant impact at the highest levels.
Matthew Hayden underlined Sooryavanshi’s confidence, boldness, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure as crucial attributes that will help him achieve in the long run. The former Australian opener praised the teenager’s determination to face high-level obstacles.
“Some claim he’s merely a short-format player, but I disagree. I believe Vaibhav has the capacity to excel in the longer format of the game as well. Fitness is undoubtedly an important component, but mental power is paramount.
One of my favourite things about Vaibhav is that, at the age of 15, he had the confidence and commitment to compete in a large, show-stopping, blockbuster competition like the IPL and thrive in it. “That tells me he has many of the right ingredients to become a world-class player,” Hayden told NDTV Sports.
Sooryavanshi’s 2026 domestic and international performances
When Sooryavanshi was selected for the T20I cricket series against England, he became India’s youngest player to make his international debut. The teenager’s rise throughout the ranks has been quick, and he has already made an impression on the world stage.
During India’s 3-0 series victory over Zimbabwe in July 2026, the teenager scored 151 runs in three Twenty20 Internationals and won Player of the Series. His ability to perform consistently at the international level against elite opponents was demonstrated by this performance.
While playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 Indian Premier League, Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, including five fifties and one century.
He earned the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes medals, as well as being the tournament’s leading run scorer and setting a season record of 72 sixes.
We look forward to witnessing Matthew Hayden grow:
Matthew Hayden saw the teenager’s exceptional talent and desire for his development. Although Sooryavanshi has shown tremendous promise, the former opener acknowledges that there is still more work to be done at the highest level.
“Vaibhav has a tremendous amount of talent, and we’ve all been quite pleased to witness his development, whether as broadcasters or coaches.
However, as he has discovered, there is still work to be done at the highest level, which I am confident he will embrace. “He’s a fantastic young player with enormous potential, and it will ultimately be up to him to shape his career,” Hayden added.
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