Kabul: Afghanistan's celebrated leg-spinner Rashid Khan has hailed India's young cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a "god-gifted" talent, emphasizing the teenager's skill and fearless play. Rashid, who has encountered Sooryavanshi in the Indian Premier League, praised the young opener's impressive shot selection and game plan, noting his ability to adapt against any bowler.

According to International Cricket Council, Sooryavanshi made headlines with a remarkable performance in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, where he amassed 439 runs, including a record-breaking 175 off 80 balls in the final. His international debut for India in July 2026 at Old Trafford marked him as the country's youngest international debutant, surpassing a record held since Sachin Tendulkar's debut in 1989.

Rashid Khan, reflecting on his own experiences, remarked on Sooryavanshi's unique talent, expressing admiration for the young player's power and coordination. Despite comparisons, Rashid humbly acknowledged the distinct abilities of the 15-year-old, who has already made a mark in the IPL and the Indian national team.

In a broader discussion about Afghanistan's cricket journey, Rashid shared insights on leadership and the team's progress under new captain Ibrahim Zadran. Following Rashid's tenure as captain, which concluded in March 2026, Zadran, previously vice-captain, was appointed to lead the team. Rashid expressed confidence in Zadran's leadership, highlighting his work ethic and ability to inspire young players.

Afghanistan's cricket achievements have been significant, with victories against higher-ranked teams like England and Pakistan paving the way for their growth on the international stage. Rashid emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, with aspirations of winning a World Cup for Afghanistan remaining a key goal for the team.