Matthew Hayden has backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to succeed across all three formats of international cricket, dismissing suggestions that the teenager is limited to the shortest format. Sooryavanshi was born on March 27, 2011, and has already made a significant impact at the highest level despite his age.
Hayden highlighted Sooryavanshi's confidence, courage, mental strength and ability to perform under pressure as key attributes that will serve him well in longer formats. The former Australia
opener praised the teenager's willingness to embrace challenges at the highest level.
"Some people say he may be a short-format player only, but I personally disagree. I believe Vaibhav has the potential to succeed in the longer format of the game as well. Fitness is certainly one part of that, but more than anything, it's about mental strength. One of the things I love about Vaibhav is that, at just 15, he had the courage and commitment to take on a major, show-stopping, blockbuster tournament like the IPL, and not just participate, but thrive in it. That tells me he has many of the right ingredients to become a world-class player," Hayden said as quoted NDTV Sports.
Sooryavanshi's international and domestic performances in 2026
Sooryavanshi became India's youngest player to receive an international debut in T20I cricket when he was selected for the series against England. His rise through the ranks has been rapid, with the teenager making an immediate impact at international level.
The teenager scored 151 runs across three T20I matches during India's 3-0 series sweep against Zimbabwe in July 2026, earning the Player of the Series award in the process. This performance demonstrated his ability to deliver consistently at international level against quality opposition.
In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi amassed 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 while playing for Rajasthan Royals, including one century and five fifties. He finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament and set a record with 72 sixes in the season, claiming the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker and Super Sixes awards.
We are excited to watch his development: Hayden
Hayden acknowledged the teenager's exceptional talent and the excitement surrounding his development. The former opener noted that while Sooryavanshi has demonstrated outstanding potential, the work required at the highest level remained significant.
"Vaibhav has an immense pool of talent, and we've all been incredibly excited, whether as broadcasters or coaches, to watch his development. But, as he's found out, at the very highest level, there's still work to do, and I'm sure he'll embrace that. He's a terrific young player with outstanding potential, and ultimately, it will be up to him how he wants to shape his career," Hayden said.
