Brett Lee backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to achieve greater things, calls age questions irrelevant

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of cricket's most exciting young talents following a remarkable 2026 season that captured global attention. The 15-year-old delivered a breakout IPL campaign for Rajasthan Royals, amassing 776 runs across 16 matches at a strike rate of 237.31. His performances included a 103 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer while setting a new benchmark for most sixes hit in a single IPL season.

Sooryavanshi had earlier showcased his exemplary talent during the Under-19 World Cup, where he scored 175 off 80 balls in the final against England, featuring 15 fours and 15 sixes. He was named Player of the Tournament and shortly after, in summer 2026, became India's youngest men's international debutant when selected for the T20I squad for the tour of Ireland and England, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's record. Brett Lee, the former Australian fast bowler, has become one of the latest cricket legends to express admiration for the teenager's abilities.

"He is incredible. Everyone offshore, away from India, asks the question if he's 15. Is he 15 is probably the biggest talking point around the world," Lee told Ranveer Allahbadia on the BeerBiceps podcast.

"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," he added.

Lee was particularly impressed by Sooryavanshi's fearlessness against quality pace bowling during his IPL campaign. The Australian legend highlighted the teenager's ability to take on international bowlers with confidence and skill.

"He has already lit up the IPL in such a short space of time. That 97 he got, he was up against Aussie bowlers. They were bowling gas, and he was hooking them off his nose," Lee said.

Balancing talent with youth

The former fast bowler emphasised that Sooryavanshi's technical ability and power-hitting were exceptional, but warned against placing excessive pressure on the young player. Lee stressed the importance of allowing the teenager to develop naturally while managing expectations.

"He is playing proper cricketing shots and has power that he finds from somewhere. 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," the Australian opined.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting and bright future

Lee, who bowled at some of the fastest speeds in cricket history, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of testing Sooryavanshi with short-pitched deliveries. He drew on his experience as a pace bowler to explain why he would relish such a contest.

"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," the 49-year-old added.