Mohammad Yousuf compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, faces criticism from fans

Mohammad Yousuf compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, faces criticism from fans originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been RR's standout performer in the IPL 2026 season.

Mohammad Yousuf compared Sooryavanshi to former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi.

Fans slammed the ex-Pakistan captain for the comparison.

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Mohammad Yousuf compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi

RR wonderkid Vaibav Sooryavanshi is getting all the attention for his stellar IPL 2026 campaign not only in India, but across the world. Former players from around the globe have heaped praise on the 15-year-old southpaw for his mature approach and aggressive style of play.

From the great Sachin Tendulkar to IPL and West Indies legend Chris Gayle, everyone has spoken highly of Sooryavanshi's talent and all of them are hopeful that the youngster from Bihar, India, will have a very bright future.

Sooryavanshi has received praise from rival nation Pakistan as former Pakistan captain and star batter Mohammad Yousuf has spoken highly of the RR opener.

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Yousuf described Sooryavanshi as a fearless and explosive batter who is full of energy, however, he also drew a comparison between the RR batter and ex-Pakistan star Shahid Afridi, who was known for his aggressive and flamboyant batting.

On X, Yousuf wrote: "15-year-old cricket sensation #Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds me of @SAfridiofficial young, fearless, explosive, full of energy. The future is here!"

MORE: 'New six machine': How Gayle, Tendulkar, & the world reacted to Vaibhav's carnage vs. SRH

Fans hit out at Mohammed Yousuf for weird criticism on social media

While Yousuf's words towards Sooryavanshi were positive, his comparison between the youngster and Shahid Afridi did not go down well with some fans on X, who slammed the ex-Pakistan batter.

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Here is how fans reacted to Yousuf's X post:

MORE: Astrology Prediction: Who will win GT vs RR IPL 2026 Qualifier 2?

The Cricket News Opinion: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the toast of Indian cricket

It is safe to say that the IPL 2026 has been all about the rise of world-class talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The RR opener has broken multiple records in the IPL this year and has scored 680 runs and is leading the Orange Cap race.

Even if Sooryavanshi misses out on the highest runscorer this year, IPL 2026 surely belonged to the young batter, who is now waiting to get his chance to make international debut for India.

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