Aman Khan's 34-ball century breaks Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record Aman Khan, the 29-year-old all-rounder for Villianur Mohit Kings in the Pondicherry Premier League 2026, delivered a standout performance by scoring 129 off 43 balls against Mahe Megalo Strikers at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground. His innings, which included 15 sixes and six fours, saw him reach his century in 34 deliveries, achieving a strike rate of 300. The innings helped his team post a total of 241 for 5, with Khan arriving at the crease when his side was at 55 for 2 in the eighth over. Khan’s innings set a new benchmark in the Indian T20 leagues, surpassing the previous record held by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Sooryavanshi, known for his explosive batting, had previously scored centuries in 35 balls during IPL 2025 and 36 balls in IPL 2026. Khan’s achievement pushed Sooryavanshi down the rankings, with the latter now listed at third and fourth on the fastest centuries by Indian players in T20 leagues. The updated record now includes Aman Rao Perala’s 32-ball century in the Telangana T20 League as the fastest, followed by Khan’s 34-ball effort, Sooryavanshi’s two entries, and other notable performances by players like Yusuf Pathan and Priyansh Arya. Despite his domestic success, Khan has yet to establish himself in the IPL. He played one match for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 and represented Delhi Capitals in 11 games the following season. Chennai Super Kings signed him ahead of IPL 2026, but he remained sidelined throughout the tournament. His latest performance in the Pondicherry Premier League could bolster his chances of securing an IPL spot in the future.#vaibhav_sooryavanshi #cricket_association_puducherry_siechem_ground #pondicherry_premier_league_2026 #villianur_mohit_kings #aman_khan
Is This How You Groom Players? Srikkanth Slams Iyer Former India captain Kris Srikkanth expressed strong criticism of Shreyas Iyer’s decision to drop 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the final T20I match against England during India’s tour of the UK. Srikkanth questioned the rationale behind the team change, arguing that it sent the wrong message to young players and undermined their confidence. The controversy arose after Sooryavanshi, the youngest Orange Cap winner in IPL 2026, was brought into the squad only to be omitted for the fifth and final T20I, where India suffered a 56-run defeat to end the series with a 4-0 loss. Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, criticized Iyer’s explanation for the decision, which stated that the team aimed to “take the best way forward” by adjusting the playing XI. The former captain argued that such a justification was inconsistent and lacked clarity, especially given the young age of Sooryavanshi. He emphasized that dropping a player who had shown potential in the series was counterproductive and highlighted the need for consistent support for emerging talent. “What wrong did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi do? Is this how you groom young players?” Srikkanth asked, expressing frustration over the handling of the teenager’s international debut. Sooryavanshi, who had played three matches in the series, scored 14, 13, and 15 in his innings but struggled against England’s pace attack, particularly from Jofra Archer, who dismissed him twice. Despite his limited impact, Srikkanth defended the young batter, drawing a parallel to his own experience as India’s captain in 1989 when he gave 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar his debut during a challenging tour of Pakistan.#ipl_2026 #shreyas_iyer #jofra_archer #kris_srikkanth #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
Will Jacks Reflects on Dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in T20I Debut England all-rounder Will Jacks shared insights about dismissing India’s teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the latter’s T20I debut at Old Trafford, highlighting the significance of the moment. The 15-year-old left-hander, who had drawn immense anticipation for his international debut, was stumped by Jacks after being lured out of his crease. This dismissal marked the first time Sooryavanshi had been dismissed in international cricket, making it a notable milestone for the English bowler. Jacks described the encounter as a “special moment,” emphasizing the hype surrounding Sooryavanshi’s rise in the sport. He praised the young batter’s fearless approach and the excitement he generates when stepping onto the field. Recalling the crowd’s enthusiastic reception at Old Trafford, Jacks noted how the audience’s anticipation for Sooryavanshi’s performance created a unique atmosphere. “That might be a pub quiz answer in a few years’ time,” he said, reflecting on the potential for the dismissal to become a memorable trivia point. The English all-rounder also highlighted Sooryavanshi’s potential, comparing his current form to what he could achieve if he matured further. “He’s a bums-on-seats kid,” Jacks remarked, noting that despite his youth, Sooryavanshi’s skills and temperament already place him among the world’s top players if he reached adulthood. He added that the teenager’s ability to take risks and attack the ball from the outset made him a challenging opponent. Jacks detailed England’s strategy against Sooryavanshi, focusing on limiting his ability to clear the ropes. He explained that as a reactive bowler, he relied heavily on his instincts and adaptability during the match.#will_jacks #t20i_series #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #old_trafford #crictalker
England All-Rounder Will Jacks Dismisses 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in T20I Debut England all-rounder Will Jacks became the first bowler to dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in an international match during the T20I series, stumping the 15-year-old left-hander on his debut at Old Trafford. Jacks described the moment as potentially a “pub quiz answer” in the future, acknowledging Sooryavanshi’s potential to become a top-tier player. The dismissal occurred during the first T20I of the series, with the crowd at Old Trafford reacting strongly when Sooryavanshi’s name was announced in the team sheet, making Jacks feel like the most important player in the squad. Jacks emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s age and inexperience made the dismissal feel like a fleeting moment in cricket history. “He’s the guy,” Jacks said, reflecting on the player’s impact. “Watching him in the IPL and being there and playing against him, he’s a bums-on-seats kid. Obviously, his age, but the amount of times people have said if he was 25 and he’s doing what he does, he’d be one of the best in the world.” He noted that Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach to the ball from the outset made him a challenging opponent. The England all-rounder also revealed that one of the key strategies against Sooryavanshi was to prevent him from hitting the ball for a six. “Yeah, obviously, as easy as that can be,” Jacks said. “He goes after it from ball one, and you just have to be incredibly switched on. Me, as a bowler specifically, I’m quite a reactive bowler. I use my eyes a lot, and I kind of just go off what I see. Some days that might be different, and my plans kind of change on the fly. I think that can sometimes be quite difficult for the batters to face.#will_jacks #t20i_series #ipl #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #old_trafford
Suryakumar Yadav Addresses Fake Social Media Claims, Urges Fans to Dismiss Unverified Information Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has publicly refuted a viral social media statement falsely attributed to him, urging fans and online users to avoid spreading unverified information. The controversy emerged after a fabricated quote circulated online claimed Yadav had expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment following his removal as T20I captain and exclusion from recent international squads. Yadav clarified that he had neither made nor endorsed the statement, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it. The false narrative alleged that Yadav had been left without clarity about his future role in Indian cricket and felt disrespected after his contributions to the team. However, Yadav dismissed these claims as part of a broader pattern of digital speculation. In a post on X, he stated, “I have not made or authorised any such statement. Please don’t believe or share unverified information.” He reiterated his support for the team, expressing confidence in their efforts and reaffirming his commitment to Indian cricket. Yadav’s recent absence from the squad for the UK tour and the Asian Games followed his replacement by Shreyas Iyer as T20I captain. Despite this, he maintained a positive outlook, stating, “My support for Indian cricket, my teammates, and the game will always speak louder than words falsely attributed to me.” His comments aimed to put an end to the unnecessary scrutiny and speculation surrounding his situation.#suryakumar_yadav #shreyas_iyer #x #t20i #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
Suryakumar Yadav Commends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Cricket Debut Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history as India’s youngest international cricket debutant, earning praise from former World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav. The teenager, from Bihar, became the youngest to represent India in international cricket when he debuted in the second T20I against England at Old Trafford. His achievement surpassed the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar, who had made his debut at 16. Suryakumar Yadav shared a message on social media, calling Sooryavanshi’s journey “very exciting” and encouraging him to “enjoy every moment” while representing his country. He expressed full support for the young cricketer and the team, stating, “You are at the start of what promises to be a very exciting journey. Keep making the country proud.” Yadav’s comments came after he was dropped from the Indian team, with Shreyas Iyer taking over as captain. The decision followed a prolonged lean patch in Yadav’s batting form, which led to his exclusion from the squad. Despite this, Yadav remained vocal in supporting emerging talent, including Sooryavanshi. In addition to praising Sooryavanshi, Yadav addressed the spread of false information attributed to him on social media. He clarified that certain statements circulating online were unverified and not his own, urging followers to avoid sharing unconfirmed details. “My support for Indian cricket, my teammates, and the game will always speak louder than words falsely attributed to me,” he said. Sooryavanshi’s debut marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket, as he became the youngest player to represent the nation in international matches. His inclusion in the team highlighted the growing emphasis on nurturing young talent, even at an early age.#india #suryakumar_yadav #t20i #old_Trafford #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
"I Have Not Made or Authorised Any Such Statement": Suryakumar Yadav Breaks Silence on Viral Fake Quote Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has publicly refuted a viral fake statement circulating on social media, urging fans to disregard misinformation while reaffirming his unwavering support for the Indian cricket team. The fabricated claim alleged that the Mumbai batter expressed dissatisfaction over his future clarity and felt he had not received the respect he deserved for his contributions to the sport. Yadav, who led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2021 before being replaced as captain by Shreyas Iyer, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the rumors. In a detailed post, Yadav categorically denied making any such remarks, stating, "I have not made or authorised any such statement. Please don't believe or share unverified information." He emphasized that there were no hard feelings despite recent selection decisions, which saw him omitted from the squads for the UK tour and the Asian Games. "I'm very happy for the team and wish them nothing but the very best," he wrote. "My support for Indian cricket, my teammates, and the game will always speak louder than words falsely attributed to me." Yadav’s clarification came a day after India’s selectors finalized their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Shreyas Iyer named captain. The decision marked a continuation of the team’s youth-focused strategy, as Suryakumar was not included in the squad. The selection reflected a broader trend of prioritizing emerging talent over established players, with young pacers Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma earning their maiden T20I call-ups following strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).#suryakumar_yadav #indian_cricket_team #shreyas_iyer #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #t20_world_cup_2021
India's Likely Playing XI for First T20I Against England The Indian men’s cricket team is set to face England in the opening match of a five-match T20I series, scheduled for July 1 at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. The match follows a recent T20I series against Ireland, where India suffered a shock defeat. The team is expected to make strategic adjustments to their playing XI for the series opener. After warming the bench during both T20Is against Ireland, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to make his India debut in the series opener. The teenage batter is expected to replace Sanju Samson as the opening batter. Samson, who won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, opened the innings in both T20Is against Ireland but struggled with his performance. He scored just five runs off four balls in the first match at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast before being dismissed for a golden duck in the second T20I on June 28 at the same venue. While Samson appears set to lose his place as an opener, it remains uncertain whether he will retain his role as the wicketkeeper-batter. Samson kept wickets in the first T20I against Ireland, but Ishan Kishan took over the gloves in the second match. Kishan also struggled with the bat, scoring just one run in the first T20I before making 12 off 11 balls in the second. If the team management decides against fielding three left-handed batters in the top three, Kishan could be replaced by Sooryavanshi instead of Samson. World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma is expected to retain his place in the playing XI after scoring a blistering 49 off 20 balls in the first T20I against Ireland. His performance is likely to secure his spot for at least the opening match against England.#india #england #ishan_kishan #sanju_samson #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
R Ashwin Defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Amid Criticism Over Fight Incident Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly defended 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the teenager faced backlash for his behavior during a heated altercation in a league match against Sri Lanka A. The incident, which occurred during the recently concluded Tri-Nation A series, sparked widespread criticism on social media, with some accusing Sooryavanshi of lacking maturity. Ashwin, however, urged fans to consider the context of the situation and the pressures faced by young athletes. Sooryavanshi, who represented India A in the series, became a focal point of attention after a confrontation during a match. The altercation, which involved a push toward an opposing player, led to a wave of online criticism. Despite the controversy, Ashwin emphasized that such incidents are not uncommon in sports and should not be taken out of context. "How can you hate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?" Ashwin questioned on his Hindi YouTube channel, "Ash ki Baat." He argued that the scrutiny on young players today is far greater than it was for legends like Sachin Tendulkar in their early careers. Ashwin highlighted the heightened expectations placed on modern athletes, noting that the current generation faces constant media attention and pressure to perform. He compared the situation to Tendulkar’s early days, when there were no live cameras or social media platforms to amplify every moment. "During Sachin Tendulkar’s era, who followed India A so closely with cameras? Was there IPL then? Did Sri Lankan players of that era know and watch so much about Sachin Tendulkar before facing him?" Ashwin asked, underscoring the evolving nature of cricket’s public perception.#ravichandran_ashwin #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #india_a #sri_lanka_a #ash_ki_baat
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Historic Debut with India Jersey The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will don the iconic blue jersey of Team India for the first time, marking a milestone in his cricketing journey. The moment was captured in a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI, showcasing Sooryavanshi receiving the jersey from cricketing legend Raghunath, the team's throwdown specialist. The young prodigy, who has long been a subject of anticipation in Indian cricket circles, expressed overwhelming emotions as he held the jersey, describing the experience as surreal. Sooryavanshi's inclusion in the squad for the upcoming T20 International against Ireland has been widely anticipated. The decision to grant him a place in the national team follows a remarkable career trajectory that has seen him rise from a promising talent to a key figure in domestic and international cricket. His journey began with a standout performance in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became the youngest player to score a century, earning comparisons to cricket legends like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. The BCCI's decision to call him up for the Ireland series was not unexpected, given his consistent performances across multiple formats. Sooryavanshi has already made a name for himself with his ability to score heavily in all conditions. His achievements include scoring centuries in tours of Australia, England, and South Africa, as well as setting records in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the recent tri-series final, he played a pivotal role for India A, scoring 94 runs against Sri Lanka A to secure a crucial victory.#ajit_agarkar #board_of_control_for_crickey_in_india #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #sanjay_manjrekar #raghunath
India-A Team Player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Fined 50% For Clash With Sri Lanka-A Player The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed penalties on India-A team players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Varma following a heated altercation during the Muttukadu One-Day Series against Sri Lanka-A. The incident, which occurred during a match that ended in a tie, led to a super over where India-A suffered a loss. The altercation involved Sri Lanka-A player Vishan Hambage, who was accused of making provocative remarks toward Indian batters, prompting Sooryavanshi to retaliate. BCCI’s disciplinary committee, acting on a report from match referee Pradeep Jayaprakash, fined Sooryavanshi 50% of his match fee and Varma 30% for their misconduct. The Sri Lankan Cricket Association also penalized its players, fining Hambage 50% and wicketkeeper Nirushan Dikwella 30% for their role in the incident. The disciplinary actions underscored the enforcement of conduct codes in 'A' team matches, which operate under ICC guidelines despite not being officially recognized as international fixtures. The match, part of a tri-series involving Afghanistan-A, saw India-A dominate with a score of 402/6, but the super over resulted in a loss after Sri Lanka-A’s bowlers restricted the run rate. The incident highlighted tensions between players from different nations, with Hambage’s alleged verbal abuse and Sooryavanshi’s physical retaliation escalating the conflict. Other players intervened to separate the two, but the incident left the match atmosphere tense. BCCI’s decision to penalize the players reflects its commitment to maintaining discipline in domestic and developmental cricket.#bcci #tilak_varma #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #vishan_hambage #nirushan_dikwella
India A Secures Thrilling Victory Over Sri Lanka A in Dambulla India A clinched an eight-run victory against Sri Lanka A in a tense encounter at Dambulla, showcasing resilience and adaptability on a challenging pitch. The match, part of a tri-series, saw India A overcome a late collapse to secure a narrow win, with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s composed century and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive debut playing pivotal roles. The result highlighted the competitive nature of the series, which has been further intensified by the presence of Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old prodigy making his List A debut. Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the squad had generated immense anticipation, with fans and media eager to witness his potential. His debut innings, though brief, delivered a glimpse of his talent. After a maiden over from Prabhsimran Singh, Sooryavanshi smashed his first ball over the infield for a boundary, quickly building momentum with three fours in the opening over. His innings, however, was cut short in the fourth over when a lofted drive off Mohamed Shiraz was brilliantly caught by captain Sahan Arachchige, who executed a diving save to preserve India A’s hopes. Despite the early dismissal, Sooryavanshi’s performance underscored his promise, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s innings was the cornerstone of India A’s innings, as he rose to the occasion in his late call-up to the squad. A hamstring injury to Riyan Parag had earned him a surprise vice-captaincy, and Gaikwad seized the opportunity with a measured 114-ball 101. His innings, marked by patience and strike rotation, anchored India A’s total of 277. On a slow, two-paced surface where Sri Lanka A’s spinners dominated the middle overs, Gaikwad prioritized consistency over aggression, striking six fours and three sixes.#ruturaj_gaikwad #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #india_a #sri_lanka_a #dambulla
Fearless brand of cricket driven by cultural shift, not just talent: Dale Steyn Dale Steyn has attributed the fearless brand of cricket displayed by today’s young stars to a significant cultural shift in coaching, analysis, and commentary rather than solely to individual talent. The South African pace legend highlighted how modern players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dewald Brevis, and Tristan Stubbs are thriving in an environment that embraces risk and failure, allowing them unprecedented freedom to innovate and elevate the global game. Steyn emphasized that this shift has transformed the relationship between players, coaches, and commentators, fostering a more accepting and supportive atmosphere for aggressive play. Speaking during an interaction facilitated by SA20 ahead of Season 5, Steyn noted that current coaches, many of whom are former players, are more understanding of the challenges of failure. He pointed to the 2020 era, where players faced frequent setbacks but also occasional moments of brilliance. “You fail way more than you succeed,” he said, adding that the modern mindset allows players to recover from mistakes without fear of harsh criticism. This cultural evolution, Steyn argued, has created a space where young athletes can experiment and express themselves without the stigma of past generations. Steyn used Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a prime example of this new confidence. The teenage sensation’s ability to hit the ball for six on the first ball of an innings stood in stark contrast to the cautious approach of earlier players. “If you cast your mind back 10 or 15 years ago, there weren’t many players that would do that,” Steyn remarked, citing Sanath Jayasuriya and Virender Sehwag as rare exceptions.#dale_steyn #dewald_brevis #tristan_stubbs #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #sa20
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Struggles in Triangular Series A Opener Against Sri Lanka Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the Indian left-handed batsman, faced a challenging start in the opening match of the Triangular Series A in Sri Lanka, falling for 14 runs in the fourth over. The match, held on June 9, 2026, saw Sooryavanshi struggle against Mohammad Shiraaz’s bowling, despite a promising initial display. The 24-year-old, known for his aggressive batting style, managed to hit three boundaries in the early stages but was eventually dismissed after a poor shot on Shiraaz’s full toss. Sooryavanshi’s dismissal came after he attempted to drive the ball but misjudged the trajectory, allowing Shiraaz to run him out at mid-off. The wicket marked a setback for the Indian team, which had hoped to build a strong foundation in the innings. Despite the early loss, Sooryavanshi’s ability to score quickly in the opening overs highlighted his potential, though his inability to sustain the momentum raised questions about his adaptability to different conditions. The Triangular Series A, featuring India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, has been a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Sooryavanshi’s performance in this series is crucial as he aims to prove his worth beyond the confines of Indian pitches. The series, held in Sri Lanka, presents a unique challenge due to the slower outfield and different bowling conditions compared to the flat tracks of domestic cricket. Sooryavanshi’s struggles in this match have sparked mixed reactions on social media.#sourav_ganguly #tilak_varma #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #mohammad_shiraaz #triangular_series_a
Asian Games: Bumrah, Sooryavanshi in; Iyer captain of India men’s squad The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the squad for the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for India’s upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, has been included in the full-strength squad for the event. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar confirmed the selection on Saturday, alongside the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as the new captain of the Indian T20I team and the inclusion of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad for the tours of Ireland and England. Both Bumrah and Sooryavanshi are also part of the Asian Games roster. Iyer, who previously captained the Indian team in the T20 World Cup, will lead the men’s squad for the tournament, which will feature 10 teams, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman. The women’s team has not yet been announced. Bumrah’s inclusion in the Asian Games squad comes after he was rested for the T20Is, with Mohammed Siraj replacing him in the tours but not in the Games. Tilak Varma will serve as the vice-captain. Sooryavanshi, a young talent, will compete for a top-order spot in a squad that includes Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan. The 2026 Asian Games will mark the fourth time cricket is featured in the event. The tournament will follow a structured schedule, beginning with preliminary qualifiers from September 24 to 26. Quarterfinals are scheduled for September 28 and 29, with semifinals on October 1. The bronze and gold medal matches will take place on October 3.#jasprit_bumrah #shreyas_iyer #board_of_control_for_cricket_in_india #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #aichi_nagoya
India Squad Selection for Ireland, England T20Is: Selection Committee Meeting Underway, Press Conference Scheduled The Indian cricket board’s senior men’s selection committee has convened at the BCCI headquarters to finalize the squad for upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games and India A’s Sri Lanka tour. The meeting, which began with Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the committee, and BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia in attendance, is expected to yield key decisions. A press conference is set for 1 PM IST, where Agarkar and Saikia will address media, followed by the official announcement of the squads. The focus of the selection process centers on balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. The T20I squads, in particular, will highlight India’s strategy for white-ball cricket, while the Asian Games squad will serve as a testing ground for younger players. The India A squad for Sri Lanka’s red-ball matches will also provide insights into the selectors’ approach to building depth in longer formats. Among the most anticipated decisions is the inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive IPL 2026 performance—776 runs, 72 sixes, and a strike rate exceeding 237—has positioned him as a potential left-handed opener. His selection could create competition for existing options like Ishan Kishan or Abhishek Sharma, raising questions about the selectors’ willingness to fast-track a 15-year-old prodigy. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar’s case has gained momentum after leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to back-to-back IPL titles, adding credibility to his potential inclusion as a middle-order batter. Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder with SRH and Vidarbha, is also in contention.#ajit_agarkar #rajat_patidar #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #devajit_saikia #india_cricket_board
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Example Cited To Slam Impact Player Rule: ‘Player Will Receive Full Match Fee’ Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India batter, has criticized the IPL’s Impact Player rule, arguing that it hinders the all-round development of young talents like 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Sooryavanshi has been a standout performer in IPL 2026, scoring 583 runs in 14 matches and playing a pivotal role in his team’s playoff run. However, the Impact Sub rule has limited his fielding opportunities, keeping him sidelined for most of the matches. Manjrekar, speaking to Sportstar, questioned whether the rule encourages one-dimensional cricketers by restricting their involvement in games. Manjrekar emphasized that the rule undermines the holistic growth of emerging players. “The more I think about it, the more I feel we need to do away with the Impact Player rule for this very reason,” he said. “Is that really what we want to see about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? To only see one side of his game?” He argued that cricket should challenge players across multiple facets rather than allowing specialists to contribute briefly before sitting out the rest of the game. The former wicketkeeper highlighted the disparity between a player’s contribution and their financial rewards. “I was just thinking about this when I saw Rohit Sharma in the last game. He scored 22 runs off 15 balls. His entire contribution lasted 15 deliveries,” Manjrekar said. “Yet he’ll still receive the full match fee or whatever comes with it. When there’s easy money to be made for very little effort, you have to start questioning that model. That can never be a sustainable, long-term formula for success.” Manjrekar stressed that evaluating players solely on batting or bowling is insufficient.#rajasthan_royals #ipl #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #sanjay_manjrekar #impact_player_rule
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Development Sparks Debate Over IPL's Impact Player Rule Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about the developmental impact of the Impact Player rule on 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the IPL 2026 season. Sooryavanshi, who has been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' qualification for the playoffs, has amassed 583 runs in 14 matches, positioning him among the league's top run-scorers. However, Manjrekar highlighted the limited opportunities Sooryavanshi has had to showcase his fielding skills, a situation he linked to the IPL's Impact Player rule, which restricts the number of players required to field during matches. Speaking on Sportstar's Inside Edge podcast, Manjrekar drew parallels between Sooryavanshi's role and that of former India captain Rohit Sharma, who primarily contributes as a batter while spending minimal time on the field during Mumbai Indians' bowling phases. Manjrekar questioned the sustainability of a model where players receive full match fees for minimal effort, arguing that such a system undermines the holistic development of cricketers. "When there's easy money to be made for very little effort, you have to start questioning that model," he said. "That can never be a sustainable, long-term formula for success." Manjrekar emphasized the need to move away from the Impact Player rule, citing the example of Inzamam-ul-Haq, a former Pakistan batter celebrated not only for his batting prowess but also for his all-round contributions on the field. "A cricketer should be someone who contributes across disciplines," he stated. "Earlier, we admired players like Inzamam-ul-Haq not just for their batting, but because we also saw the other side of them in the field. That helped you properly assess and understand the player.#bcci #ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #sanjay_manjrekar
Dinesh Karthik Warns Against Comparing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Sachin Tendulkar Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has urged caution in drawing parallels between teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing that the young player’s journey will face distinct challenges. Speaking in an upcoming episode of the Quest Talk podcast by iQOO, Karthik highlighted the unique pressures Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old left-handed opener for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, will encounter. Sooryavanshi, who has scored 579 runs in 13 matches for the Royals, currently leads the run-scoring charts with a remarkable strike rate of 236.32. Karthik acknowledged the teenager’s exceptional performances but cautioned against labeling him as the next Tendulkar. “What Vaibhav is doing is very special, but I don’t want people to tag him as the next Sachin,” Karthik said. “He is just 15 years old, and the challenges he faces will be completely different from what Sachin encountered.” Karthik explained that while Tendulkar’s challenges were multifaceted, involving both on-field and off-field pressures, Sooryavanshi’s struggles will primarily stem from external factors. “Sachin’s challenges would have been as much on the field as they were off the field,” Karthik noted. “But Vaibhav’s challenges will definitely be more off-field because he possesses a lot of cricketing skills, and dealing with everything that comes outside the sport will be his main focus.” In addition to addressing Sooryavanshi’s potential, Karthik reflected on the evolution of the IPL since its inception in 2008. He described the tournament as a “completely different beast” today, emphasizing its rapid growth and transformation into a global phenomenon.#sachin_tendulkar #ipl_2026 #dinesh_karthik #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #iql
Riyan Parag Condemns Commentators' Personal Attacks, Calls for Focus on Cricket Amid Vaping Controversy Riyan Parag, captain of Rajasthan Royals, has expressed frustration with television commentators and cricket analysts for focusing on personal attacks against players rather than discussing the sport itself. The 24-year-old cricketer, who missed the recent IPL 2026 match due to a hamstring injury, criticized the media for failing to acknowledge the rigorous preparation and challenges athletes face. Parag emphasized that fans often overlook the months of training and mental preparation required to perform at the highest level, instead reacting to poor performances with assumptions about players' capabilities. The controversy surrounding Parag stems from a recent incident during the IPL 2026 season. The BCCI fined him for using electronic cigarettes in the dressing room, a violation of the organization’s rules. Parag argued that such incidents should not overshadow the sport itself, stating, “We are human, and we make mistakes. Cricket is the biggest game in the country and deserves respect. We should only talk about the game, not anything else.” He urged commentators to avoid personalizing their analysis, warning that their words could shape public perception of players unfairly. Parag’s comments came after Rajasthan Royals secured a seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. Despite his absence, the team’s performance was highlighted, with young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivering a standout innings. The 15-year-old scored 93 runs off 38 balls, hitting 10 sixes to propel Rajasthan to a formidable total of 221 runs. Parag praised Sooryavanshi’s display, calling it a “record-breaking performance” that showcased the potential of emerging talent.#bcci #ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #riyan_parag #vaibhav_sooryavanshi
