Jaipur: Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a touch of humour to his fairytale IPL 2026 campaign after revealing what he plans to do with a luxury SUV he won as part of the tournament awards. The 15-year-old, who lit up the season with record-breaking performances, joked that he will have to wait a few years before getting behind the wheel.
Sooryavanshi, who represents the Rajasthan Royals, was among the biggest stars of IPL 2026, collecting multiple accolades for his outstanding batting displays. One of the prizes included a sponsored SUV — a reward he cannot yet use due to age restrictions on driving.
‘Let me get my licence first’
Speaking in a light-hearted interaction shared by Rajasthan Royals, the youngster acknowledged the irony of winning a car he cannot legally drive.
“I’ll keep it for three more years. Abhi toh licence aane do (first, let me get the licence), then I’ll drive it. I will ask my father to drive it, and sit next to him,” he said.
The remark quickly caught the attention of fans on social media, highlighting the grounded and cheerful personality behind the prodigious talent. Despite achieving remarkable success at such a young age, Sooryavanshi’s response reflected maturity and patience.
Mental preparation key to success
Beyond the humour, the young batter also offered insights into his mental approach to the game. He emphasised the importance of visualisation and preparing for different match scenarios even before stepping onto the field.
“I think about playing in matches beforehand — how I will play against a certain bowler, what I will do in pressure situations. That helps a lot and makes you mentally strong,” he explained.
Sooryavanshi stressed that while physical training is crucial, mental strength plays an equally important role, especially in high-pressure environments like the IPL.
“If you’re playing an IPL final and need 50 or 60 runs with limited balls left, you need to be mentally very strong. Preparing your mind in advance makes a big difference,” he added.
Record-breaking IPL 2026 season
Sooryavanshi’s words carry weight given his extraordinary performance in IPL 2026. The left-handed batter dominated bowlers throughout the season, finishing as the highest run-scorer with a staggering 776 runs in 16 matches.
His aggressive approach and consistency helped him secure the coveted Orange Cap, awarded to the leading run-getter in the tournament. He also bagged the ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP) award, underlining his all-round impact.
In achieving this feat, he outperformed some of the biggest names in world cricket, including Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Virat Kohli.
India call-up rewards stellar form
The teenager’s sensational IPL season has not gone unnoticed at the national level. Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, as well as for the Asian Games 2026.
India are scheduled to play a two-match T20I series against Ireland in June, followed by a five-match series against England in July. Later in the year, the team will participate in the Asian Games, providing Sooryavanshi with a major international platform to showcase his talent.
His inclusion marks a significant milestone in what has already been a meteoric rise. From becoming the youngest-ever IPL signing at 13 to dominating the league at 15, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
A grounded star on the rise
Despite the fame and accolades, Sooryavanshi appears firmly grounded. His humorous take on the car prize and his thoughtful approach to mental conditioning suggest a player who is not only talented but also level-headed.
The support system within the Rajasthan Royals setup, combined with his own discipline and mindset, has played a crucial role in shaping his rapid development.
Conclusion
From joking about waiting for a driving licence to delivering match-winning performances, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to capture the imagination of cricket fans. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey, expectations will be high, but his calm outlook and strong mental preparation could prove key to sustaining success at the highest level.
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