Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fearless power-hitting in IPL 2026 has drawn comparisons with Chris Gayle, with former India players Irfan Pathan and Anil Kumble believing the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter is capable of breaking the West Indian great’s long-standing six-hitting record.

Sooryavanshi continued his sensational season with a blistering 93 off 38 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, smashing 10 sixes and seven fours to guide Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable seven-wicket win in a steep chase of 221. The knock also earned him his third Player of the Match award of the season.

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The teenage opener has now hit 53 sixes this IPL season, just six short of Gayle’s record of 59 maximums set in 2012.

Pathan, Bangar hail prodigy

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan said Sooryavanshi is beginning to create the same fear among bowlers that Gayle once did at his peak.

“As bowlers, we were always scared of facing Chris Gayle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is creating that same fear, and Gayle’s record is definitely in danger,” Pathan said on JioHotstar.

Highlighting the youngster’s ability to accelerate rapidly, Pathan added: “In his first 10 balls, he was batting at a strike rate of less than 100, and by the end of the innings, he had scored 93 runs off just 38 balls. It is very difficult to stop him.”

Former India batter Sanjay Bangar also praised the teenager’s extraordinary range and composure.

“Words are not sufficient. They can’t do justice to the kind of ability this young boy possesses. Some of those shots were extraordinary,” Bangar said, describing the innings as a “masterclass” and “great entertainment”.

Kumble backs record pursuit

Former India captain Anil Kumble echoed similar views, saying Sooryavanshi has both the skill and temperament to surpass Gayle’s record.

“He has already hit 53 sixes this IPL season. Chris Gayle holds the record for most sixes in a season with 59. Rajasthan Royals still have one more league game and possibly the playoffs. I can see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaking Gayle’s record and making history,” Kumble told Star Sports.

Kumble was particularly impressed by the youngster’s ability to clear the ropes through unconventional areas. “Very few batters can hit sixes over cover with such ease. But Sooryavanshi did it multiple times against Digvesh Rathi. This kid is very special,” he said.

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The former leg-spinner also praised Sooryavanshi’s maturity despite the growing spotlight around him. “Every time he speaks, he sounds mature beyond his years. That is crucial at this age, especially with all the attention and praise coming his way,” Kumble said.

According to Kumble, Sooryavanshi’s grounded outlook suggests he is focused on building a long career rather than getting carried away by early success. “He understands that this is just the start. He himself said after the match, ‘This is the start of my journey. If my journey is long enough, I will create a few of these records,’” Kumble noted.

(With agency inputs)