table of contents
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s incredible rise in IPL 2026 has stunned the cricket world, and now former Australian captain Michael Clarke has made a big statement about the teenage sensation. Clarke believes the Rajasthan Royals star has already become the most valuable young player in the world.
At the age of just 15, Vaibhav has achieved what many experienced players can only dream of. The youngster dominated IPL 2026 with fearless batting and became the leading run-scorer in the tournament. He helped Rajasthan Royals reach the playoffs after a disappointing campaign last year.
Michael Clarke says that no player will cost more than Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the IPL auction.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi concluded his incredible season by scoring an impressive 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and an incredible strike rate of 237.30. Clarke was left in awe of Vaibhav’s fearless batting style and said that the teenage batting sensation is the hottest property in the IPL.
Also read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s growing popularity secures broadcast rights for India A series
“He’s definitely been the talk of this year’s IPL. The poor kid was crying when RR got knocked out, but he can hold his head high because he’s had a fantastic year. If there was a big auction this year and he was in it, I don’t think you’d pay anyone more than him,” Michael Clarke said on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.
This young kid will inspire the next generation: Clarke wants India to fast-track glory
He also said that cricket gets a special talent once in a generation, a player who is able to inspire millions of young fans around the world and the left-hander is that kind of player. Notably, Vaibhav is set to be seen in action for India A in the one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also includes Afghanistan A.
Clarke said, “Every generation has special players like Viv Richards, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli or Jacques Kallis, who are very influential to children around the world. Similarly, this young kid will inspire the next generation of young boys and girls around the world.”
The cricket pundit urged the BCCI and the national selectors to allow Vaibhav to be included in India’s T20I setup, saying, ‘He is already good enough to play in the shortest format for India.’ He believes that young players are already good enough to be in a national team environment and gain valuable experience by training and traveling with senior stars.
Also read: “There should be talk”: Michael Clarke supports Rajat Patidar for Team India, sends strong message to Ajit Agarkar
Michael Clarke predicts big future for Vaibhav Suryavanshi
The former Australian captain also predicted a big future for the Rajasthan Royals batsman. He believes that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the talent to succeed not only in T20 cricket but also in ODI and Test cricket. The great batsman also highlighted his smart innings against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
Clarke signed off by saying, “He will be good enough to play in all three formats and dominate in all for India. He is very talented and understands the game very well. In the second qualifier, he did not have the right batting positions.”
“He still managed to score 90 off just 40 balls. He showed awareness of the game and the skill to not just stand and hit a six on every ball in the powerplay. It will be difficult for Rajasthan to retain him because everyone wants him.”