Lee urges caution over Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise
Brett Lee has called for the protection of Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from excessive pressure following his standout IPL 2026 campaign and Player of the Series honours on India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe.
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has issued a public warning regarding the management of 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, urging that the teenager be shielded from the intense scrutiny accompanying his rapid ascent in professional cricket. Speaking on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Lee acknowledged Sooryavanshi’s exceptional technical ability and power but identified mental fortitude as the primary hurdle for the teenager’s long-term career.
Sooryavanshi became one of the defining stories of the IPL 2026 season after an extraordinary campaign for the Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed batsman scored 776 runs in 16 matches to secure the Orange Cap, displaying a fearless approach against some of the world’s leading bowlers. His domestic success earned him a fast-track call-up to India’s T20I squad, following an initial difficult start during the team’s series against England.
On India’s recent tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi responded to early challenges by finishing as Player of the Series. Lee praised the teenager’s performance against express pace, specifically citing a score of 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) where he faced Australian bowlers. Lee noted that Sooryavanshi was "hooking them off his nose" against high-velocity deliveries, demonstrating power and proper cricketing shots that defied his age.
Despite the statistical achievements, Lee emphasised that the focus should remain on the player’s ability rather than the number attached to his name. “I don’t care how old he is,” Lee stated. “If he’s 15, fantastic, but if he’s 17 or 18, who cares. This kid can play cricket. He has been such a great find for India, and he’s going to go on to achieve bigger and better things.”
However, the former Australia pace great identified the mental side of the game as the most significant test as expectations continue to grow. Lee advised that Sooryavanshi should be allowed to remain a child and not be burdened with excessive pressure. “It won’t be his form or batting; it’ll only be his mind,” Lee said, stressing that maintaining his mindset will be more challenging than his batting technique.
