Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the defining stories of IPL 2026, but AB de Villiers believes the Rajasthan Royals prodigy is only beginning to face the toughest test of his career.
The 15-year-old has taken apart some of the world’s leading bowlers this season with a level of confidence and power rarely seen from a player his age. His fearless approach against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins has rapidly turned him into one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world.
But while the cricketing world has rushed to anoint Sooryavanshi as India’s next superstar, de Villiers has urged caution — particularly when it comes to expectations outside T20 cricket.
Speaking on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast hosted by Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, the former South Africa Captain said the teenager’s long-term future would depend on how he adapts to the demands of ODI and Test cricket.
“I don’t know if he’s going to last, to be honest. That’s what I tell my brothers and friends. At this age, it’s just absolutely incredible. We know the talent is there, but I would like to see him in other formats. In Test cricket, he doesn’t get to know what you’re in for,” De Villiers said.
De Villiers sees major Test cricket challenge ahead
Sooryavanshi’s rise over the past 18 months has been extraordinary.
Beyond IPL 2026, the Bihar batter has already built a reputation as one of the most destructive young white-ball players in world cricket. His Under-19 World Cup performances, including a stunning 175 in the final, elevated him into the global spotlight, while his aggressive style has made him a fan favourite across formats.
In IPL 2026, he has continued that momentum by producing explosive innings for Rajasthan Royals and dismantling elite bowling attacks in the powerplay with remarkable consistency.
Yet de Villiers believes red-ball cricket will present a completely different challenge — one that will test Sooryavanshi mentally and physically in ways T20 cricket cannot.
“A lot of things will change unless someone comes around and says to him… Listen, you will be a T20 specialist for the rest of your life. Congratulations, that’s all you’re going to do. Then there will be a very long and successful career, but if he does start nibbling around in ODIs, particularly Test cricket, he will discover a whole different area of his cricket mentally and physically.”
The comments reflect a growing debate around Sooryavanshi’s future role in Indian cricket.
His white-ball numbers at youth level and in franchise cricket have been extraordinary, but his first-class experience remains limited. While many believe his attacking instincts could transform India’s batting future across formats, others believe the transition to Test cricket will require significant technical and mental evolution.
IPL success has intensified India selection debate
Sooryavanshi’s dominance in IPL 2026 has already triggered conversations about a potential fast-tracked India call-up in T20 internationals.
The teenager’s ability to overpower elite pace attacks at such a young age has drawn comparisons with some of the game’s most naturally gifted hitters, while his confidence under pressure has impressed former players and analysts alike.
De Villiers, however, believes the real measure of greatness will come if Sooryavanshi embraces the longer formats instead of becoming solely a T20 specialist.
“Does he have the talent to counter all the obstacles that might come his way? Definitely, but it won’t be an easy ride. It will be a rocky road. I hope he goes that route and plays Test cricket for his country. I would love to see that journey unfold,” the former South Africa captain added.
For now, Sooryavanshi remains one of cricket’s most fascinating young talents — a player capable of reshaping matches within minutes and already commanding enormous attention across the sport.
The next chapter, according to de Villiers, could determine whether he becomes merely a T20 superstar or a generational all-format cricketer.
