Graeme Smith Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the Best T20 Batting Prospect Since 2007
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise through the ranks of Indian cricket has drawn admiration from across the cricketing world, and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has added his voice to the chorus with striking conviction. Speaking to Wisden, Smith called the teenage left-hander the finest T20 batting prospect he has seen since the format gained global prominence in 2007, praise that carries considerable weight from a man who spent years competing at the highest level of the game. The endorsement arrives as Sooryavanshi's name continues to dominate headlines, not all of them comfortable, amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding India's series against Sri Lanka.
A Rise That Has Left the Cricketing World Talking
Sooryavanshi first announced himself on the IPL stage with Rajasthan Royals in 2025, becoming the fastest Indian batter to score a century in IPL history during his debut season. His fearless approach - taking on pace, reading length early, and clearing the boundary with alarming regularity - quickly established him as one of the tournament's marquee names. It is the kind of explosive emergence that transcends cricket and captures the attention of sports fans well beyond the subcontinent, much like a breakout performance in any major league can reshape a sport's conversation overnight, in the same way a stunning season in a competition like the mexico liga abe can instantly elevate a young athlete into national consciousness. His 2026 IPL campaign elevated him to an entirely different plane: 776 runs, an average of 44.69, and a strike rate of 237.30 - numbers that belong in a different era of the sport.
Smith: 'I Can't Remember a Better Batting Prospect'
Smith was unambiguous in his assessment. "I've not seen a guy who is that consistent in power hitting against some of the best in the world," he told Wisden. "There have been some unbelievable prospects in different formats of the game over the years, but I can't remember a better batting prospect since T20 took off around 2007." What impressed the South African legend most was not just the raw power, but the tactical adaptability. Bowlers have tested Sooryavanshi with short-pitched deliveries and varied plans, yet the teenager has consistently found ways to attack, leaving opponents with minimal margin for error. Smith noted that the skill set is not reliant on one dimension - the ability to hit all around the ground sets Sooryavanshi apart from other prospects who peak early and plateau.
Selectors Praised, but Tiwary Sounds a Note of Caution
Beyond the batting itself, Smith reserved praise for the Indian selectors who handed Sooryavanshi his maiden senior T20I call-up at just 15, describing the decision as "brave but smart." He argued that with two years separating the current moment from the next T20 World Cup, exposing young talent to international cricket early - across the T20I series in Ireland and England and the Asian Games 2026 in Japan - is a calculated investment rather than a gamble. "They're blessed with talent, but I think the selectors have shown courage and foresight," Smith said. "You might not win everything up front, but the plan is to be ready for two years' time, and I think it's food for thought for the other countries." That optimism is tempered, however, by a stern warning from former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary, who cautioned that the pressures of international cricket are categorically different from the IPL environment and that managing expectations around a 15-year-old will be critical. The road from IPL superstar to established international player is lined with cautionary tales, and Tiwary's note of realism is as relevant as Smith's enthusiasm. Sooryavanshi's supporters - and they are numerous - will hope the young left-hander has the temperament to match the talent.
