batting master grandeur Suryavanshi He has been the center of attraction in cricket discussions after his exemplary performance for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. At just 15, the left-handed batsman scored 776 runs in 16 matches this season at a whopping strike rate of 237.31.
Suryavanshi played his heart out for the Jaipur-based franchise, but the Riyan Parag-led side ultimately lost in Qualifier 2 to Gujarat Titans, who eventually finished runners-up. The Samastipur-born batsman had scored 96 runs off just 47 balls in that do-or-die game, but GT's top order made light work of the run chase to reach the final.
Now, legendary Australia captain Michael Clarke said that if the IPL mega auction was happening later this year and Suryavanshi was a part of it, he would have been the most expensive player without any doubt.
“He's definitely been the talk of this year's IPL. The poor kid was crying when RR got knocked out, but he can hold his head high because he's had a fantastic year. If there was a big auction this year and he was in it, I don't think you'd pay anyone more than him,” Clarke said on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.
The Liverpool-born player said, “Every generation has special players like Viv Richards, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli or Jacques Kallis, who are very influential to children around the world. Similarly, this young kid will inspire the next generation of young boys and girls around the world.”
He is already good enough to play in the shortest format for India: Clarke
The cricketer turned commentator said that Suryavanshi is ready to play T20Is. However, he urged the stakeholders of Indian cricket to allow the youngster to hone his skills in other formats as age is on his side. Clarke praised Suryavanshi's innings in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans, where he showed great maturity on a difficult surface after Rajasthan lost two quick wickets.
Clarke said, “Give him time to develop in other formats, because he is only 15. He will be playing the next T20 for India or at least will definitely be in the team. You will see him in a lot of Indian teams, traveling with the team, being with senior players and getting the experience of training in different conditions around the world. He is already good enough to play in the shortest format for India.”
The former Australia captain concluded, “He will be good enough to play in all three formats and dominate in all for India. He is very talented and understands the game well. In the second qualifier, he did not have the right batting conditions. He still managed to score 90 runs in 40 balls. He showed awareness of the game and also the ability to score six runs every ball in the powerplay. It will be difficult for Rajasthan to retain him because everyone wants him.”
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