Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational performance for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2026 has impressed Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma, who called the 15-year-old a special talent. He suggested that he should continue to play aggressive cricket as it has brought him success. Sooryavanshi was the highest run-getter in the 19th season of the tournament, amassing 776 runs in 16 matches.

He scored a hundred against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and also 90s during playoff matches, leading to calls for his inclusion in the Indian National Cricket Team.

Speaking to PTI, Sharma highlighted the youngster’s quality that makes him special.

“He is an exceptional talent, and the way he performed in the IPL has been remarkable. The way he smashed world-class bowlers for fours and sixes was commendable. He is talented and good with the bat,” he said.

“His brand of fearless cricket and the way he has hit world-class bowlers were pleasing to watch.

He is brilliant in T20 cricket,’ Sharma added.

Sharma mentioned that Sooryavanshi shouldn’t change his batting approach.

“I don’t want him to change anything. He should continue playing his brand of T20 cricket.

“You have been tremendous and keep hitting the ball and entertaining the fans. I can’t judge him as far as red ball cricket is concerned, as I haven’t seen him play. Can he change his game and leave the ball outside the off stump? How can he play swing bowling? For now, I want him to continue the way he is playing.”

Sharma, however, is not in favour of comparing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Virat Kohli.

“I don’t like comparisons between the players. Virat has been consistent in the last 18 years, and it is a long period.

“Vaibhav looks good and talented. He has got temperament, which he showed in the last match. He is a brilliant talent, undoubtedly, but we have seen him in just one format. We are yet to see him competing in Test cricket and ODIs.”

Sharma said Kohli is a different player from Sooryavanshi and is a legend.

“Virat is different from Sooryavanshi and is a legend now.

He is a big player who has been a match-winner for his side. No Indian cricketer has won as many games for the national team as Kohli has, and that is why fans follow him. We really love to see Vaibhav grow.”

The renowned coach dismissed concerns over Vaibhav’s fitness. “Fitness will come, and he is still a kid. He has a superpower, and that’s a brilliant thing about him,” he explained.

Sooryavanshi’s rise has made him a fan favourite, and millions are following him despite being just two seasons old in the IPL.