New Delhi

“Vaibhav’s greatest quality is that a bowler’s name or reputation never influences him. It does not matter to him who is standing in front of him. His entire focus remains only on the ball and his batting.”

These views were expressed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s friend and former captain of the India Under-19 team, Mohammad Aman, in an interview.

If there was one young cricketer in the IPL who astonished the entire cricketing world, it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshii. At just 15 years of age, the fearless manner in which he faced some of the world's most renowned bowlers won the admiration not only of India but of cricket fans across the globe.

Although Rajasthan Royals failed to make it to the finals of the IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshii’s aggressive batting and extraordinary confidence gave him international recognition overnight.

Mohammad Aman was not merely Vaibhav’s teammate. He was also his roommate, friend, and elder brother figure. The two spent considerable time together, shared the same room, ate meals together, and created countless memories away from the cricket field.

Mohammad Aman and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Mohammad Aman recalls his first sight of Vaibhav batting during the Challenger Trophy.

“He may have scored only 16 or 17 runs, but the two or three boundaries he hit convinced me that this boy possessed extraordinary talent. There was a different level of confidence and class in his shots.”

According to Aman, Vaibhav’s greatest strength is that he is never intimidated by a bowler’s name or reputation.

“He only watches the ball. It does not matter to him which bowler is standing in front of him. His complete focus is on his batting and his performance.”

Mohammad Aman said, “There is so much childlike innocence in him that I cannot describe it in words.”

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - India’s Pride❤️ pic.twitter.com/D8tapGALm9

— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) May 30, 2026

He enjoys cracking jokes with close friends, plays harmless pranks, and remains cheerful all the time. However, he is reticent to others and avoids unnecessary social interactions.

Aman says that watching Vaibhav’s aggressive batting on the field, one would never know the childlike disposition of this great cricket prodigy. “Those who know him closely understand that apart from being a brilliant cricketer, he is also a very simple, innocent, and well-mannered young man.”

He explained that after playing Under-19 cricket, Vaibhav joined the Challenger Trophy ahead of the 2023 World Cup, and since then, they had spent considerable time together.

When asked whether he had imagined that Vaibhav would eventually develop the ability to hit almost every ball for a six, Mohammad Aman replied, “When I first watched Vaibhav Sooryavanshii bat, those few shots alone were enough to tell me that he possessed extraordinary ability. His talent was visible in those two or three boundaries.”

He further added that Vaibhav’s father had raised him exceptionally well.

Mohammad Aman and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

“He not only taught him cricket but also good manners and values. That is why he respects everyone. Whether a person is younger or older than him, he treats everyone with respect. Touching the feet of elders, greeting people respectfully, and showing regard for others are part of his nature.”

According to Aman, Vaibhav was raised in an excellent environment.

“He respects people younger than himself. He greets everyone. He touches the feet of elders. His parents have taught him excellent manners and values.”

Aman said that when he spoke to Vaibhav after the Rajasthan Royals’ defeat and elimination from the IPL, he was still upset.

“His dream was not merely to bat well. He genuinely wanted the Rajasthan Royals to become champions. He carried the desire to help the team win a trophy after so many years.”

Aman claims to have told his friend, “You gave one hundred per cent from your side. Some things are decided by destiny and time.”

During the conversation, the host also referred to photographs of the two friends, which reflected the depth of their friendship.

One photograph was clicked during the Asia Cup in Dubai as they travelled in the same bus.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and his parents

Aman explained that when their friendship grew stronger, he asked Vaibhav about his family and home life. That was when he learned how many sacrifices Vaibhav’s father had made to help him become a cricketer.

Later, during the Asia Cup, an incident occurred when Vaibhav appeared upset despite being selected in the IPL.  Aman asked him in surprise: “You have been selected, your career is beginning beautifully, so why are you worried?”

Vaibhav’s response deeply moved him. Vaibhav said that everyone talks about his father’s sacrifices, but nobody remembers his mother’s efforts. He said his mother woke up much before him to prepare food when he practised in the mornings. Even when he returned late at night, she took care of all his needs.

Mohammad Aman said that Vaibhav’s father endured immense financial hardship to fulfil his son’s dream. “Vaibhav himself told me that his father was under considerable debt. He worked day and night for Vaibhav’s cricket. Vaibhav constantly worried about the sacrifices his father had made and wanted to repay everything one day.”

Another interesting aspect of Vaibhav’s personality, as revealed by Aman, is that the cricket prodigy was a foodie. “He loved sweets, ice cream, and all kinds of sweet dishes. However, once cricket became serious, he brought strict discipline to his diet.”

After creating records in the Ranji Trophy, he completely transformed his eating habits.

Aman also narrated another memorable incident highlighting Vaibhav’s character.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi watching IPL 2026 Final with ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/7OVqeYVI8Y

— Cross Town News (@CrossTownNews) May 31, 2026

During an Under-19 tournament in Vijayawada, Bangladeshi fielding coach Ashiqur Rahman was present. Since he was unfamiliar with the city, he was looking for a suitable place for dinner one evening.

Aman said that he and Vaibhav were heading out for dinner when they met Ashiqur Rahman. When he mentioned that he was searching for a restaurant, Aman and Vaibhav invited him to join them. For the remainder of the tournament, the three of them had dinner together almost every night.

According to Aman, about one and a half years later, Ashiqur Rahman met Vaibhav again during another tournament in Qatar, where both Indian and Bangladeshi teams were present. Interestingly, Vaibhav never mentioned this meeting to Aman. Instead, the Bangladeshi coach later sent Aman a message.

Aman said that Ashiqur Rahman sent him a photograph and informed him that he had met Vaibhav Sooryavanshii. He happily remarked that Vaibhav remained the same as before.

Not only did he recognise him immediately, but he also ordered him food from his phone and treated him with the same respect and warmth as always. While narrating this incident, Aman said that this is why he repeatedly emphasises that Vaibhav is not only an extraordinary cricketer but also an exceptional human being.

ALSO READ: 10 Muslim women who shine while running institutions

Perhaps these qualities will make Vaibhav Sooryavanshii not only a great cricketer but also a great human being in the years to come.