Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed that watching teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bat reminds him of his own son, highlighting the emotional impact the Rajasthan Royals youngster has had on cricket fans and former players alike during IPL 2026. Pathan made the heartfelt remark after Sooryavanshi wrapped up a sensational season with 776 runs in 16 innings at an average of 48.50 and a staggering strike rate above 237.
The 15-year-old ended his campaign with another remarkable knock, scoring 96 against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 before falling just four runs short of a well-deserved century. During that innings, Sooryavanshi faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from the Gujarat Titans’ pace attack.
One delivery struck him on the helmet, immediately raising Pathan’s concern. The former India star admitted that the incident brought back memories of the tragic case of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away after being hit on the head during a Sheffield Shield match in 2014.
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“Watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bat is like watching my son bat. Seeing him hit on the head made me worried, and my thoughts went to Phillip Hughes,” Irfan Pathan posted on X.
At the same time, Pathan acknowledged that opposition teams are naturally going to test a player of Sooryavanshi’s caliber. He stressed that there is nothing wrong with bowlers targeting a batter’s weaknesses, but added that he hopes the youngster continues to thrive despite the challenges.
Watching vaibhav suryavanshi bat is like watching my son bat. Seeing him hit on head made me worried n my thought went to Philip Hughes.
Ofocurse if you play at this level you will be tested. Nothing wrong in that. Teams will plan against him. Sure.
I can only wish well for…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 30, 2026
“Of course, if you play at this level, you will be tested. Nothing wrong in that. Teams will plan against him. Sure. I can only wish well for this marvellous young kid,” Irfan Pathan added.
Earlier in the tournament, Pathan had also voiced discomfort with the bodyline tactics employed against the 15-year-old, saying the father in him found it difficult to watch.
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Despite Rajasthan Royals falling short of the IPL 2026 final, Sooryavanshi’s campaign will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary breakout seasons in league history. The young opener finished as the Orange Cap leader and crossed the 1,000-run milestone in IPL cricket at a record-breaking pace, further cementing his status as one of Indian cricket’s brightest future stars.
