Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record-breaking IPL 2026 season may be over, but the hype surrounding Indian cricket's newest teenage sensation continues to grow.
The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 776 runs in 16 matches, becoming the youngest player ever to win the Orange Cap. His fearless batting, breathtaking strike rate and ability to dominate some of the world's best bowlers made him the story of the season.
Now, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has made perhaps the boldest prediction yet about Sooryavanshi's future.
Lalit Modi Predicts T20 Double Century for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking to Wisden, Modi backed the teenager to achieve something no batter has ever managed in top-level T20 cricket - score a double century.
"I am looking forward to that day
(Sooryavanshi's double ton)," Modi said.
"You will make a 200. I promise you. "
The statement may sound ambitious, but it reflects the growing belief among fans and experts that Sooryavanshi is capable of redefining what is possible in the shortest format.
The teenager came close to rewriting the record books multiple times during IPL 2026, including narrowly missing out on the fastest century in league history and smashing the most sixes ever recorded in a single IPL season.
'Don't Let Money Get Into Your Head'
While praising Sooryavanshi's extraordinary talent, Modi also offered a word of caution.
The teenager's rapid rise has already turned him into one of Indian sport's biggest attractions, with brand value estimates and sponsorship projections skyrocketing after his breakthrough season.
Modi urged the youngster to remain grounded despite the fame and financial rewards that are likely to come his way.
"Don't let money get into your head. "
He then made an even bigger prediction.
"You will become the number one superstar on the planet, bigger than any Hollywood and Bollywood star on the planet. "
Given cricket's reach in India and the global attention Sooryavanshi has attracted over the last two months, the comment highlights just how highly the former IPL chief rates the youngster's commercial and sporting potential.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi -The Face of Cricket's Future?
Modi also used Sooryavanshi's rise to discuss what he believes is a major shift in modern sport.
As franchise leagues continue to grow in popularity and financial power, debates have intensified over whether young players will prioritise domestic competitions over international cricket.
For Modi, that evolution is inevitable.
"Simple as that. 100 per cent it's a good thing. "
"You may hate me but I don't care. But, this is the future. "
Drawing comparisons with global sports leagues such as the NBA and Premier League, Modi argued that franchise competitions will increasingly become the primary aspiration for young athletes.
"Nobody talks about playing for the United States basketball team. They want to play for the NBA. "
"Nobody talks about playing for England first and not for Manchester City. "
"This is going to be the order of the day. Get real with it. "
Not Everyone Wants to Rush the Hype
While praise for Sooryavanshi has come from all corners of the cricketing world, some former players have urged caution.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the teenager should be introduced to international cricket gradually rather than being fast-tracked into difficult overseas conditions.
"Vaibhav would be the next in line after the incumbents, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma," Manjrekar told Sportstar.
"But I would like to see Vaibhav play in similar batting conditions to those in the IPL, if they pick him for India at all. "
Manjrekar specifically highlighted the challenges of touring countries such as New Zealand and South Africa, where conditions can be far less forgiving for young batters.
"Would not be a great idea to put him straight into foreign kind of, on a foreign pitch, like New Zealand, South Africa, we will see. "
"He might go out there and repeat what he has done in the IPL. "
A Season That Changed Everything for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Whether Sooryavanshi becomes cricket's biggest superstar or not, IPL 2026 has already transformed his career.
At just 15 years old, he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, broke long-standing six-hitting records and established himself as one of the most exciting young talents the game has seen in years.
The next challenge will be handling the expectations that come with that success.
If Lalit Modi's prediction is even remotely accurate, the cricket world may only have witnessed the beginning of the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi story.
