Brett Lee issues a strong caution to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, disregarding his age in the process.

NEW DELHI: At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has captured the attention of the cricketing community, and former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee believes the young talent possesses the potential for greatness, provided he is shielded from the pressures that accompany his swift ascent in the sport.

Sooryavanshi emerged as a standout player during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he played for the Rajasthan Royals. His remarkable performance included scoring 776 runs across 16 matches, earning him the prestigious Orange Cap. The left-handed batsman showcased a fearless style, consistently taking on some of the best bowlers in the world. His impressive display led to a rapid selection for India's T20 International team. Although he faced challenges during his initial series against England, Sooryavanshi rebounded strongly, being named Player of the Series during India's tour of Zimbabwe.

While Sooryavanshi's age has sparked discussions globally, Lee emphasizes that the focus should remain on the young cricketer's skills rather than his years. “He is incredible. The age factor is a major talking point, but I don’t care how old he is. Whether he’s 15, 17, or 18, it doesn’t matter. This kid can play cricket,” Lee stated during an interview on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel. He praised Sooryavanshi as a significant asset for Indian cricket, predicting that he will achieve even greater success in the future.

Lee was particularly impressed by Sooryavanshi's ability to handle fast bowling, noting his performance against Australian bowlers during the IPL. “He has already lit up the IPL in such a short time. That 97 he scored against SRH was against top-notch pace, and he was executing proper cricketing shots with remarkable power,” Lee remarked.

Despite his confidence in Sooryavanshi's batting skills, Lee cautioned that the mental aspect of the game will be the most significant challenge as expectations mount. “It won’t be about his form; it will be about his mindset. He still needs to enjoy being a kid without excessive pressure,” Lee advised. This warning comes in light of Sooryavanshi's rapid transition from a promising teenager to an IPL sensation and now an international player, with the spotlight likely to intensify as he continues to excel.

Lee also shared insights on how he would approach bowling to Sooryavanshi, particularly given the young batsman's confidence against short-pitched deliveries. “If someone is a good hooker or puller, it becomes a contest. I would challenge him with a bouncer and see how he responds. He might hit me for six, but that wouldn’t deter me from trying again,” Lee explained. For a player who has already demonstrated resilience against high-pressure situations, such encounters could define Sooryavanshi's early career. However, Lee's key message remains: the young cricketer's most significant challenge may lie not in facing fast bowlers, but in managing the expectations that come with being cricket's latest teenage sensation.