
Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi riding on luck? Ex-India star predicts tougher IPL 2026
India Today
IPL 2026: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi will face a tougher challenge in IPL 2026. The 14-year-old prodigy impressed last season, but Uthappa expects bowlers to test him more this year.
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could face a tougher challenge in IPL 2026 despite his stunning debut last year. The Rajasthan Royals youngster impressed everyone with his fearless batting, but Uthappa feels bowlers will now be better prepared.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a breakthrough season in IPL 2025, making headlines as the youngest player to debut in the tournament. Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa praised the youngster’s talent but suggested the coming season could test his game more thoroughly.
“I’ve been following every match Vaibhav has played over the last 12 months. He is a brilliant player,” Uthappa said.
However, the former India batter pointed out that the teenager also benefited from the element of surprise during his first season.
“But when you watch him bat, it sometimes feels like he is also riding a bit of luck. When the level becomes tougher and bowlers know exactly where to bowl, the challenge increases,” Uthappa said.
Uthappa believes opposition teams will now study the youngster more closely and plan their strategies accordingly.













