Pakistan cricket analyst Nauman Niaz has sparked controversy after making a bizarre claim about teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, suggesting the youngster's bat should be tested for an alleged "AI chip" following his explosive performances in IPL 2026.
The remarks came shortly after Sooryavanshi smashed another century, continuing his remarkable rise as one of the tournament's breakout stars.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs bat testing
Speaking on a television show, Niaz questioned how the teenage batter was generating such power at a young age and suggested his bat be examined in a laboratory setting.
He compared the idea to anti-doping checks conducted in sport, claiming the youngster's performances appeared unusually advanced for his age.
"Think about it. What is this kid? Get his bat
checked. Like WADA conducts dope tests, send him to a lab. He probably used an AI chip in his bat," Niaz said during the show.
The comments quickly drew attention online, with fans and analysts reacting strongly to what many described as an exaggerated and unfounded claim.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi performances driving attention - and scrutiny
The remarks followed another standout innings from Sooryavanshi, who has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about young players in IPL 2026.
The 15-year-old recently registered a blistering century, continuing a run of performances that has placed him among the top run-scorers this season.
With 357 runs from eight matches, including two fifties and a century, Sooryavanshi currently sits among the leading contenders in the Orange Cap race alongside established names such as KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Abhishek Sharma.
His fearless stroke play and ability to score quickly have made him one of the most exciting young prospects in franchise cricket.
Teenage prodigy continues to break records
Despite the unusual allegations, Sooryavanshi's rapid rise has largely been credited to his technique, timing, and fearless approach at the crease.
Over the past year, he has delivered strong performances across multiple levels, including scoring centuries in overseas conditions and playing a key role in India's Under-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year.
His IPL performances have further strengthened calls for a future senior national team debut, with selectors and fans closely tracking his progress.
Viral claim adds to growing spotlight Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
As Sooryavanshi's reputation continues to grow, so too has the scrutiny around his performances - a common trend for emerging prodigies in global sport.
While the "AI chip" remark has generated widespread debate online, there has been no official suggestion of any wrongdoing, and the claims remain speculative in nature.
For now, the teenager's focus remains on maintaining form and continuing his remarkable run in IPL 2026, where his performances have already made him one of the season's standout stories.
