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Vaibhav Suryavanshi is still waiting to make his India debut, but the 15-year-old has already become one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world. Ahead of India’s five-match T20 series in England, Matt Prior praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi after watching his fearless performances this year.
The former England wicketkeeper-batsman feels that the teenage batting sensation is not only a talented batsman but also someone who remains calm in big games. He believes that Vaibhav enjoys playing under pressure and never looks scared, no matter how strong the opposition is. Jos Buttler has also warned the England bowlers regarding Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Matt Prior surprised by Vaibhav Suryavanshi before England T20 series
Vaibhav Suryavanshi had an unforgettable IPL 2026 season for Rajasthan Royals. The teenage opening batsman scored over 770 runs at an average of 48.50 and an incredible strike rate of 237.30. He entertained the fans with his aggressive style and became one of the biggest stars of the tournament.
However, it was the way Vaibhav performed in the knockout matches that impressed many the most. When Rajasthan Royals needed him the most, the left-handed batsman played two explosive innings of 90+ runs at a strike rate of over 200 during the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Even before IPL 2026, the teenage sensation had already grabbed the headlines at the ICC Under-19 World Cup. He played a breathtaking inning of 175 runs in just 80 balls in the final against England and helped India win the trophy.
Matt Prior compared Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s mentality to Steve Waugh
Ahead of the first T20I between England and India on July 1, Matt Prior said Suryavanshi has ‘the mentality and mental strength of Steve Waugh’, while he highlighted how the boy from Bihar loves to play under pressure in big games.
Matt Prior said on the talkSPORT YouTube channel, “Apart from all the talent, he has the mentality and mental strength of Steve Waugh. He’s not doing it in games people aren’t watching. He’s doing it in World Cup finals and IPL knockouts.”
“He’s doing it with the whole world watching. He puts in match-winning performances in big games, which shows there’s a mentality there. Maybe he finds it so easy that he doesn’t get affected and just cracks.”
Matt Prior makes bold statement on Vaibhav’s IPL 2026 heroics
The way Vaibhav attacked world-class fast bowlers and made fun of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, even the former England wicketkeeper was surprised.
Prior added, “You have very experienced players and some of the best players who have ever played the game who can’t hit Bumrah and Cummins. And this guy comes in and just beats them 20 rows back. He’s making fun of everyone else.”
The former England cricketer also said that Suryavanshi is enjoying the right role in the IPL. He signed off by saying, “This boy is literally living the dream. He goes out and opens the batting, hits fours and sixes and is appreciated for it.”
“If he gets out, it’s fine. And then he doesn’t field. In an era where there is so much money, he will earn millions and crores just for smoking and then not fielding. It’s a lottery.”
