Shreyas Iyer and Vaibhav Suryavanshi
New Delhi: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has heaped heaps of praise on Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, calling him an “amazing talent” and calling him “one for the future” after his explosive run in IPL 2026.Sooryavanshi has been one of the standout performers this season, amassing 246 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of over 236, turning heads with his fearless style at the top.“He is an amazing talent and all the qualities would be so much less for him,” Iyer said. “The way he goes with the flow of the bat, the rhythm and momentum he creates before the delivery – I think he’s one for the future.”“Be yourself”: Ayer’s motto for the fearless batsmanIyer, who himself has been in good touch for 208 runs this season, emphasized the importance of self-confidence and individuality in modern T20 cricket – a philosophy he believes aligns perfectly with Sooryavanshi’s game.“When I talk to players, my only message is: Be yourself. Don’t try to imitate or imitate anyone,” he said. “When you are brave and brilliant in your own way, you don’t have to imitate anyone.”The Punjab captain has attributed this mentality to the success of his openers, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, both of whom have crossed 200 runs this season.“When you tell these players they are match-winners, it instills confidence in them.
“They can just go out and play freely,” he added.Reflecting on his batting, Iyer recalled a special moment against Jasprit Bumrah, where instinct took over. “It was completely instinctive. When you face the best player in the world, you have to back your instincts,” he said, emphasizing clarity of thought and emotional control in high-pressure situations.While Iyer remains focused on guiding the Punjab Kings to their maiden title, his admiration for Suryavanshi highlights a wider shift in the league – where brave young batsmen are redefining the pace of the game.
