Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 31: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has showered praise on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing the 15-year-old as a special talent with exceptional shot-making ability and remarkable game awareness.

Speaking at the Cricinfo Honours event in Mumbai, where he was recognised as the Best Men's International Batter of the 21st Century, Tendulkar said Sooryavanshi's batting had left a strong impression on him during the IPL 2026 season.

The young Rajasthan Royals batter enjoyed a record-breaking campaign, scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.31. He also smashed 72 sixes during the season, surpassing the previous IPL record of 59 sixes held by Chris Gayle.

Tendulkar said what stood out was not merely Sooryavanshi's power-hitting but his technical ability, particularly his wrist work and his capacity to judge line and length earlier than most batters.

According to the batting legend, the teenager's ability to play shots all around the ground stems from strong wrist control rather than brute force. He noted that Sooryavanshi is not simply swinging wildly but is reading bowlers quickly and timing the ball cleanly enough to clear the boundary with ease.

Offering advice for the youngster's future, Tendulkar said Sooryavanshi should continue to trust his natural game and focus on finding solutions to challenges rather than worrying about pressure or expectations.

He emphasised that every cricketer faces challenges throughout their career and that success depends on responding effectively to the questions posed by bowlers. Tendulkar added that the teenager appears confident and clear about his approach, and that his natural instincts should be preserved rather than altered.

The former India captain also expressed hope that Sooryavanshi would eventually represent India in Test cricket but cautioned against placing excessive expectations on the young batter.

Tendulkar said talented players require encouragement and support, adding that decisions regarding selection should be left to the selectors and team management. He urged fans and experts to enjoy the youngster's performances without creating unnecessary pressure about his future.

This is not the first time Tendulkar has publicly praised Sooryavanshi. Following the youngster's explosive 97-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL Eliminator, Tendulkar had highlighted his outstanding bat swing and footwork, noting how effectively he creates room to attack deliveries directed at his body and leg stump.

The endorsement from one of cricket's greatest batters further underlines the excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.