Former South African pace spearhead Dale Steyn has made a bold prediction about young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating that the left-handed batsman will be bigger than the combined legacy of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a phenomenal run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, amassing 776 runs to claim the coveted Orange Cap. His consistent performances with the bat have earned him a call-up to the Indian T20 international squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.
Steyn's High Praise
Speaking to reporters, Steyn said, "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is going to be bigger than Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli put together. The talent I have seen in him is extraordinary. His ability to read the game and execute shots under pressure is remarkable for a player of his age."
The legendary fast bowler, who has played against both Tendulkar and Kohli, emphasized that Sooryavanshi possesses a unique combination of technique and temperament. "He has the calmness of Sachin and the aggression of Virat. That mix is rare and dangerous for bowlers worldwide," Steyn added.
IPL 2026 Heroics
Sooryavanshi's IPL campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 55.42 and a strike rate of over 150, including four centuries and three fifties. His innings were instrumental in guiding his franchise to the playoffs.
The 22-year-old's performances caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Indian T20 squad. He is expected to make his debut during the Ireland series before facing a stronger English side.
Future Prospects
Cricket analysts believe Sooryavanshi could be a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format.
Steyn concluded, "I have no doubt that in the next few years, the world will talk about Vaibhav the way they talk about Sachin and Virat. He has that potential."
India will play a three-match T20 series in Ireland followed by a five-match series in England, where all eyes will be on Sooryavanshi to see if he lives up to Steyn's lofty expectations.
