Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson praised Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his fearless approach and exceptional power-hitting ability. Watson said the teenager’s aggressive mindset and ability to hit boundaries all around the field make him a special talent.
Watson made the comments during the Kabuni promotional event at Jio World Convention Center in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai on Sunday, June 7. Speaking after the IPL 2026 season, the former Australia star discussed the qualities of the current Indian players that he would love to add to their game.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has no fear of getting out – Shane Watson
Shane Watson said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fearless approach is one of his biggest strengths. The former Australian all-rounder praised the teenager’s ability to hit boundaries all around the ground, whether on the off side, straight down the ground, or down the leg side.
“Number one, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, for the power he’s got all around the field, not just straight or on the leg side, but also on the off side. And along with that, Vaibhav also has a fearless mentality. He has no fear of getting out, which is something I have struggled with for a good part of my career.”
#see | Mumbai: When asked which three Indian cricketers would he like to steal quality from, former Australian cricketer Shane Watson says, “Number one is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, his strength is all around the ground, not just straight or leg side but… pic.twitter.com/iPeCQaDNdk
– ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2026
Suryavanshi was included in India’s T20 squad for the first time for the tours of England and Ireland as well as the Asian Games. At just 15 years of age, the left-handed batsman has become the youngest player to be selected for India’s senior men’s team.
This young player has a chance to break Sachin Tendulkar’s long standing record. Tendulkar made his international debut at the age of 16 in 1989 against Pakistan.
Shane Watson highlights Shreyas Iyer’s unique off-side power
Shane Watson praised Shreyas Iyer’s ability to hit the ball hard on the off side. The former Australian all-rounder said that it is a rare skill which many people do not fully appreciate. Watson said that Iyer generates power easily, which makes it difficult for captains to field against him.
“I would say another skill – Shreyas Iyer’s ability to hit the ball with power on the off-side is something that they don’t realize how incredibly good a skill it is. He does it very easily through mid-off and especially over cover, whether it’s quick or spin.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s changes in pace and yorkers – Shane Watson
Shane Watson said that he would have liked Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to bowl slower balls and yorkers. The former Australian all-rounder admitted that he never had the same skills as the India fast bowler.
“And the second one, which of course I would give anything for that skill, is Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and variation in the yorker. I didn’t have that, not to that extent.”
Bumrah’s versatility and accuracy make him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. His ability to execute yorkers and slower balls under pressure allows him to be effective at every stage of the innings.
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