‘Who cares how old he is?’: Brett Lee defends 15-year-old Indian sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has admitted that 15-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s age remains the "biggest talking point" among cricket enthusiasts outside India. However, the legendary paceman insisted that the ongoing global debates are irrelevant given the teenager's extraordinary natural talent. Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Lee revealed that the prodigy's rapid rise has sparked amazement and scepticism abroad. "He is incredible. Everyone offshore, away from India, asks the question if he's 15. 'Is he 15?' is probably the biggest talking point around the world," Lee said during the podcast. Brushing aside suspicions surrounding the young left-hander's age, Lee emphasised that the focus should remain entirely on Sooryavanshi's skill on the pitch. "I don't care how old he is. If he's 15, fantastic, but if he's 17 or 18, who cares. This kid can play cricket. He has been such a great find for India, and he's going to go on to achieve bigger and better things," Lee added. Sooryavanshi captured international attention during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Rajasthan Royals, where he accumulated 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate exceeding 237. His breakout campaign included a blistering 29-ball 97 in the playoffs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Following his domestic exploits, the teenager earned a call-up to the national side, becoming India’s youngest men's international debutant against England before earning Player of the Series honours against Zimbabwe. Lee expressed particular admiration for Sooryavanshi's composure against high-velocity pace bowling, highlighting his willingness to take on elite international attacks. "He was up against Aussie bowlers. They were bowling gas, and he was hooking them off his nose," Lee remarked. While warning against placing excessive pressure on the youngster, the Australian icon urged the cricketing world to let the prodigy enjoy his development without getting bogged down by off-field speculation.