Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a special talent, should not change anything: Virat Kohli's childhood coach

Rajkumar Sharma, who was Virat Kohli's coach during his childhood days, called Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a special cricketer and explained what makes him stand out from other players of his age.

Sooryavanshi took the cricket fraternity by storm during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as he finished with a whopping 776 runs in 16 innings at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.31. He won the Orange Cap and also became the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

"Well, he is an exceptional talent undoubtedly. I mean, the way he has played in this IPL is remarkable. The way he has hit all the first-class, international and world-class bowlers, that is commendable and I must say that he is a special talent. I really find Vaibhav very good. The type of fearless cricket he plays and the way he has hit world-class bowlers is commendable. The way he has hit those sixes is just unbelievable, for T20 cricket, he is just brilliant," Sharma was quoted as saying by India Today.

Sharma said that Sooryavanshi shouldn't change his game while playing T20 cricket as everything is working well for him. However, he refused to comment on the 15-year-old's future in Test cricket as he hasn't seen much of him till now.

"Since he is playing T20, I would say don't change anything. Just go and play like this, the way you are playing. You are playing tremendous cricket and the way you are hitting, keep on hitting the ball and entertaining the people. When it comes to playing Test cricket, I haven't seen enough of him to judge how mature he is, how he can change his game, how he can leave the ball outside the off stump or how he can play swing bowling. But for now, I want him to continue the way he is playing," Sharma stated.

Sharma, however, urged caution when it came to comparisons with Kohli, who he has seen from close quarters since the legendary batter's childhood days.

"I don't believe in comparing people. What Virat has done in the last 18 years, I mean it's a very long period that he has been so consistent. But looking at Vaibhav, he looks very good, a very talented guy and he has got good temperament also, which he showed in the last game. So, I mean he is a brilliant talent undoubtedly, but we have just seen him playing in this format only. We are yet to see him play in bigger formats, maybe Test cricket or One-Day cricket," Sharma explained.

"Virat is a different player (from Sooryavanshi). He is a legend now. He is a great player, which he has proved by winning so many matches. No Indian has won as many matches for India as Virat has, and that is why he is loved so much. Here we see a rising star (Sooryavanshi) and we really love to see him grow," he added.

Sharma also mentioned that Sooryavanshi's fitness should not be viewed as a concern and he will only get better as his career progresses.

"No, fitness will come. He is still a baby and he has got superpower. That is the brilliant thing about him," Sharma said.