England Star Jos Buttler Makes Stunning Declaration About Indian Teenage Sensation
In a remarkable statement that has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, England's veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has declared Indian teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as "the best player I've ever seen" following his breathtaking performance in the Under-19 World Cup 2026 final.
Record-Breaking Performance Sparks Extraordinary Praise
The 14-year-old Sooryavanshi delivered what many are calling the greatest innings in youth cricket history during the final against England, smashing 175 runs from just 80 deliveries. His explosive batting featured 15 boundaries and 15 sixes, achieving a staggering strike rate of 218.75. Remarkably, 150 of his total runs came exclusively from boundaries, showcasing his extraordinary power-hitting ability.
Speaking on the Love for Cricket podcast, Buttler expressed his awe at the young cricketer's achievements. "My statement is he's the best player I've ever seen, 'cause I'm like, who else was doing this at 14 years old?" Buttler questioned. "If he's doing that at 14, what's he gonna be doing at 16, 18, 20?"
Buttler's Bold Assessment Backed by Credentials
When fellow England pacer Mark Wood challenged Buttler's statement as "a pretty big statement," questioning whether Sooryavanshi could become a superstar or risk being derailed by early hype, Buttler stood firm in his assessment.
"I don't see how he can't be," Buttler responded, highlighting the teenager's already impressive credentials. "He's already played... he's got a hundred in the IPL. He hit his first ball in the IPL for six."
Sooryavanshi's final innings powered India to a commanding total of 411/9, ultimately securing a 100-run victory over England and extending India's record to a sixth U-19 World Cup title. The young batter finished the tournament with 439 runs and earned the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
A New Cricket Phenomenon Emerges
What makes Sooryavanshi's achievement particularly extraordinary is his age and the magnitude of his performance on cricket's biggest youth stage. At just 14 years old, he has demonstrated skills and composure that typically take professional cricketers years to develop.
His fearless approach to batting, combined with his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes matches, has ignited conversations about cricket's next generational superstar. The cricketing world now watches with anticipation as this young talent continues to develop, with many wondering if he might rewrite the sport's record books in the coming years.
Buttler's unprecedented praise for a player so young reflects the extraordinary nature of Sooryavanshi's talent and achievements. As cricket enthusiasts and experts analyze this remarkable declaration, one thing remains clear: a new cricket phenomenon has emerged, and his journey is only beginning.
