- Mohammad Yousuf compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Shahid Afridi.
- Sooryavanshi smashed 97 off 29 against SRH.
- Sooryavanshi named in India A squad for Sri Lanka tour.
Following Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive IPL 2026 season, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousaf has sparked major backlash for comparing the youngster to Shahid Afridi.
The remarks followed Sooryavanshi’s scorching 97 off 29 balls in the Rajasthan Royals’ Eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 27, which enabled his team to advance to Qualifier 2.
Social media has since intensified the debate, with fans divided over whether a rising teenage prodigy can match one of Pakistan’s most iconic power players.
Yousaf took to X to praise the 15-year-old’s fearless approach, writing: “15-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds me of Shahid Afridi – young, fearless, explosive, full of energy. The future is here!”
Read Here: SRH owner Kavya Maran praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his knock
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earns India A call-up
One of the most notable stories of the IPL season has been Sooryavanshi’s success; the teenager is already breaking records. In addition to pushing Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2 with his 97-run blitz against SRH, he surpassed Chris Gayle for the most sixes in a single IPL season with an incredible 65 maximums.
The young player is now on the brink of a possible first-ever call-up for India and has swiftly become one of the most talked-about names in international cricket. He has already been included in the India A team for the June 2026 50-over Tri-series in Sri Lanka.
Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja’s last ball heroics sealed CSK’s fifth IPL title in 2023
Sooryavanshi’s dream IPL season continues
With a strike rate of almost 240 this season, Sooryavanshi, who is only 15 years old, has already made a name for himself as one of the IPL’s most potent young hitters. In the meantime, one of Pakistan’s best-known white-ball hitters, Shahid Afridi, is still remembered for his historic 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996, at the age of just 16.
Sooryavanshi’s next match is against Gujarat Titans at Dharamshala on Friday, May 29. On May 31, Rajasthan Royals will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an attempt to advance to the IPL final.
Stay up to date with all the latest IPL content with Read Cricket and follow us on Instagram.
