Former Australia spinner Kerry O’Keeffe believes 15-year-old Indian batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready to play Test cricket.
The teenage sensation has taken the cricket world by storm, lighting up the IPL with fearless strokeplay and remarkable consistency.
Sooryavanshi has piled up 404 runs this season at an average of 40.40 and a strike rate of 237.64.
O’Keeffe says the hype is justified – and then some.
“There’s not many players that I’d stay up till after midnight to watch, but he is one of them,” he told Wide World of Sports. “I find him mesmerising.
“There’s something about him. I’m absolutely enthralled at what might lie ahead for that kid.
“I’d love him to be a three-format player.”
AFRICA PICKS: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL preview
Sooryavanshi first grabbed global attention with a blistering IPL century as a 14-year-old, and he has continued to dominate attacks this year, including dispatching elite bowlers like Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah for six off the first ball.
The sheer audacity of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 🫡
🎥 The 1️⃣5️⃣ year old welcomes Jasprit Bumrah with a maximum! 👏#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RRvMI | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/cI0zqCXz0X
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2026
O’Keeffe believes India should fast-track his development, even suggesting a Test debut in high-profile series.
“I’d roll the dice on him,” he said. “He’s that good.”
The veteran commentator went even further, comparing the youngster to one of Australia’s greatest.
“Ricky Ponting was the most advanced 15-year-old batter I’ve seen, but this kid is a level above Ponting at 15, and that’s why he’s so exciting,” O’Keeffe said.
“It’s his stillness at contact. He doesn’t overplay the shot.
“When he hits these sixes over long-on, he’s so still at contact. Most 15-year-olds are trying to throw the kitchen sink at the ball, [but] he just hits it for six from a set position.”
