Ashwin hails 15-year-old Sooryavanshi as all-format talent

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a generational talent capable of succeeding in all three formats of cricket, including Test matches. Ashwin shared his views on JioHotstar following Sooryavanshi's explosive performance in the Indian Premier League match against Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.

Sooryavanshi, who has emerged as one of IPL 2026's breakout stars, scored 36 runs off just 16 balls in that game, including three fours and three sixes during a powerplay that gave Rajasthan Royals a strong start in chasing 230. He attacked bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada with fearless strokeplay before being dismissed, though the Royals collapsed to 152 all out in 16.3 overs, losing by 77 runs after Gujarat's spinners, led by Rashid Khan's 4 for 33, took control.

Across 11 matches this season, the left-handed batsman has amassed 440 runs at a strike rate of 236.56, topping the Royals' run charts with one century and two half-centuries. Ashwin highlighted Sooryavanshi's conviction and dominance. "He is taking every bowler down," Ashwin said. "I wouldnt mind watching him...