Last Updated on 2 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Graeme Smith has heaped praise on 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. In his blog for Betway, the former South Africa captain believes Sooryavanshi’s ceiling is limitless as the margin of error is so minimal.
“He consistently scores all around the park – it’s not like he’s got one side that he targets,” Smith said.
“We’ve seen people attack him with the short ball and he’s had options for that, and the margin for error when bowling to him is minimal. I hope he goes to England, finds his feet quickly and shows the world what he can do on the international stage.”
Graeme Smith praises India for selecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
India selectors simply couldn’t leave Sooryavanshi out of their squad for the upcoming T20Is in Ireland and England. The Rajasthan Royals opener was sublime in the 2026 Indian Premier League, winning the Orange Cap with 776 runs at a mindboggling strike rate of 237.30.
Smith said that while it’s natural for experts and fans to be sceptical, the returns of a 15-year-old is to be lauded.
“It’s the nature of cricket where everyone just keeps being sceptical – “let’s see him do it outside of India. Let’s see him do it in international cricket.” But I’ve not seen a guy who is that consistent in power hitting against some of the best in the world,” said Smith.
“Sooryavanshi single-handedly carried the Royals. If someone around him had shown some consistency and some performance, they would definitely have reached the final. Sometimes I watch him and can’t believe he’s just whacking it in every game!
“There have been some unbelievable prospects in different formats of the game over the years, but I can’t remember a better batting prospect since T20 took off around 2007.”
Smith also praised the Indian selectors for making the decision to pick Sooryavanshi. They made big decisions – including leaving out World Cup winning captain Suryakumar Yadav – with an eye to the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia.
“It’s an interesting selection from India, and brave for a team that’s just won a World Cup to make the big, bold calls they have. I think it’s smart – there are two years between World Cups and they’re giving their young talent the best chance to get as many games as possible before the next World Cup.
“They’re blessed with talent, but I think the selectors have shown courage and foresight. You might not win everything up front, but the plan is to be ready for two years’ time, and I think it’s food for thought for the other countries.”
India’s two-match T20I series in Ireland begins on 26 June in Belfast. India then travel to England for five T20Is, starting July 2.
