Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is taking the IPL 2026 by storm, and even former England captains are weighing in with a mix of admiration and humor. The Rajasthan Royals prodigy has amassed 404 runs this season with a staggering 37 sixes, prompting Michael Vaughan to label him "the best six hitter in the world" right now. But the conversation took a playful turn on the Stick to Cricket podcast, where Vaughan and Alastair Cook joked about the young star potentially being "burnt out by 21."

Sooryavanshi's rapid rise has been nothing short of historic. Since debuting in April 2025 at just 14 years and 23 days old, he has played 17 IPL matches across two seasons, racking up 656 runs at an average of 38.59 and a jaw-dropping strike rate of 224.66. He already has two centuries and three half-centuries to his name, including a record-breaking 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans in 2025—making him the youngest-ever T20 centurion. His 2026 campaign saw another blistering ton, 103 off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Vaughan compared Sooryavanshi's explosive batting to Chris Gayle, noting how quickly he's closing in on the legend's record 30-ball IPL century. "This kid has hit 100 in 35 and 36 balls. He's catching up with the boss," Vaughan said. He also highlighted the youngster's remarkable six-hitting prowess: "Most sixes by any Indian batter in IPL history is 42 by Abhishek Sharma in 2024. This kid's on 37 now."

The lighthearted exchange continued when a panelist quipped, "He could be burnt out by 21." Vaughan shot back, "He will have enough cash by 21, he might retire." Cook then delivered the punchline that had everyone laughing: "He can't be burnt out, he plays 30 balls." With Vaughan predicting an imminent India call-up, the cricket world is watching closely—and Sooryavanshi's journey is just getting started.