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Irfan Pathan Hails "Special" Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After KKR Blitz

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded Rajasthan Royals' young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a "special player" after another impressive performance against Kolkata Knight Riders. Pathan highlighted a growing theory that Sooryavanshi particularly rises to the occasion when facing world-class bowlers, a trend he continued by smashing Sunil Narine for a six early in his innings. The prodigious batter has a history of attacking elite bowlers from the get-go, including hitting Jasprit Bumrah for a six on the first ball he faced from him this season. Sooryavanshi is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 246 runs at a staggering strike rate of 236.53.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as "Special Player"

  • Pathan praises Sooryavanshi's talent
  • Batter shines against elite bowlers
  • Smashed Narine, Bumrah for sixes
  • Fourth-highest run-getter this IPL season
2 min read

IPL: Irfan Pathan hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after blitz against KKR, calls him "special player"

Irfan Pathan hails Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a special talent after his fearless knock against KKR, citing his knack for dominating big-name bowlers.

"This kid is a special player with many years at the top level ahead of him. - Irfan Pathan"

Kolkata, April 19

As Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to stun world-class bowlers with his audacious strokeplay, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised young Sooryavanshi after another impressive outing against Kolkata Knight Riders, saying the emerging batter continues to prove a growing theory that he tends to rise especially when facing big-name bowlers.

Pathan noted that Sooryavanshi once again showed his talent against quality opposition, reinforcing the belief that he is a "special player" with a bright future ahead.

He added that the youngster has the potential to stay at the top level for many years if he continues developing at this pace and temperament.

"The theory of Vaibhav Suryavanshi needing big-name bowlers in the opposition is proving true again ;) This kid is a special player with many years at the top level ahead of him," Pathan wrote in an X post.

Sooryavanshi continued to stun world-class bowlers with his fearless strokeplay and intent in IPL 2026, smashing legendary spinner Sunil Narine for a six off just the second ball he faced from him during the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

The prodigious batter continues to make a mockery out of bowling attacks irrespective of the team, taking out likes of Vaibhav Arora, Cameron Green, Kartik Tyagi and Narine during his knock of 28-ball 46, with six fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 164.29.

Starting his IPL career with a six against Shardul Thakur on his very first IPL ball, Sooryavanshi has asserted his authority and showcased the exuberance of youth against some of the world's best.

The most cherished first ball hit he has is against Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for a six on the very first time he faced him against the Mumbai Indians (MI) during a rain-truncated 11-over clash this season. Against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this year, he smacked veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood on the first ball against them.

Sooryavanshi is the fourth-highest run-getter this season, scoring 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 236.53, including two fifties and a best score of 78.

In his 13 IPL matches, he has made 498 runs at an average of 38.30, with a strike rate of 220.35, including a century and three fifties, with 42 fours and 44 sixes in 226 balls.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, and this is just incredible entertainment. A strike rate of 236 this season is video game numbers. Hope he gets a long run and doesn't get burnt out.
P
Priya S
Love the confidence! But let's not put too much pressure on him by calling him "special" so early. We've seen many talents fade. The real test will be consistency over 2-3 seasons. Wishing him the best though!
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Rohit P
Bas bhai, yeh wahi dar dikhane wala ladka hai jo humein chahiye! Big match player ban raha hai. Six on first ball against Bumrah? That's some statement! 🔥
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Michael C
The IPL just keeps unearthing these gems. His ability to target star bowlers from ball one is a rare psychological edge. Rajasthan's scouting has been top-notch again.
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Kavya N
His intent is everything! In a tournament full of stars, a young Indian player standing tall and smacking them around is so satisfying to watch. Hope he gets a India A call-up soon.

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