Former Australia opener Justin Langer has revealed that teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the only cricketer he has ever requested a selfie with, highlighting the extraordinary impression the youngster made during the 2026 Indian Premier League. Langer admitted that despite spending decades around some of cricket’s greatest names, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, he had never felt compelled to ask for a photograph until he witnessed Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting up close.

The 15-year-old is now on the verge of another milestone as he prepares for a potential international debut in India’s opening T20I against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, June 26. The match will also usher in a new era for India’s T20I side, with Shreyas Iyer leading the team for the first time after Suryakumar Yadav stepped down from captaincy ahead of the next T20 World Cup cycle.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Justin Langer described Sooryavanshi as one of the most gifted young cricketers he has ever seen. He revealed that the Indian prodigy is only the second person in his life he has asked to take a selfie with, the first being an Australian Rules Football legend he admired during his childhood.

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“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is only the second selfie I’ve ever asked for. The other was with an AFL champion I looked up to as a kid,” Justin Langer said. “I told him I’d never asked anyone for a selfie during my time in the IPL, but I wanted one because I’m in awe of his talent, his mindset and the fearless way he plays the game. Watching him bat is simply mind-blowing.”

Langer also explained what makes Sooryavanshi such a unique batting talent. According to the former Australia coach, the youngster possesses exceptionally loose hands and a naturally fluid bat swing, allowing him to generate remarkable power without appearing to force his shots. He pointed out that Sooryavanshi’s subtle figure-eight backswing is a trait shared by some of the world’s finest batters.

The Australian great was particularly impressed by the teenager’s ability to hit through the offside. Unlike many left-handed power hitters who target the leg side, Sooryavanshi prefers driving over extra cover, a rare quality that immediately caught Langer’s attention. His first ball in the IPL perfectly showcased that ability as he launched a towering six over cover, a shot that travelled deep into the stands and announced the arrival of a special talent.

WATCH – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Trains With India Ahead Of Ireland T20I

If selected against Ireland, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will become the youngest player ever to debut for the Indian men’s cricket team. At just 15 years and 91 days, he would surpass Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in 1989. He carried that form into the India A tour of Sri Lanka, smashing a breathtaking 94 off just 29 balls in the tri-series final, including a record-breaking 11-ball half-century that powered India A to the title.