Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his extraordinary performance in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, where he scored an impressive 97 runs off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. De Villiers noted that Sooryavanshi displayed remarkable maturity and game awareness, particularly during high-pressure situations. His innings helped the Rajasthan Royals secure a 47-run victory, allowing them to advance to Qualifier 2. De Villiers highlighted Sooryavanshi's ability to remain composed and adapt to various bowling strategies employed by SRH, showcasing fearless strokeplay. He also emphasized the young player's understanding of preparation and mental routines, likening his approach to that of legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden. De Villiers believes that Sooryavanshi's individuality and clarity in his game will play a significant role in his long-term success in cricket.