'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Win India LA Olympics Gold': S Sreesanth's Big Prediction for Bihar Teen Sensation

New Delhi, June 7: At a time when Indian cricket is marvelling at the extraordinary rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has made a prediction that stretches beyond IPL records, international debuts and even World Cups.

Speaking exclusively to myKhel on the sidelines of a Big Cricket League Season 2 press conference, the World Cup-winning pacer backed the teenage sensation from Bihar to achieve something no Indian cricketer has ever done before - help India win an Olympic gold medal when cricket returns to the Summer Games at Los Angeles in 2028.

Sreesanth in Awe of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The remark may sound audacious, but then so has much of Sooryavanshi's journey so far. The teenager has spent the last few months redefining what is possible for a player his age. Fresh from a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign and now preparing for India's white-ball future after earning a maiden national call-up for the UK tour, Sooryavanshi has become one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world.

Sreesanth believes the youngster's biggest challenge now will not be handling fast bowling or international pressure, but navigating the distractions that inevitably accompany stardom.

"I was telling someone recently, that it's not easy being Sooryavanshi," Sreesanth - who is also a commentator - told myKhel.

Stay Away from Distractions: Sreesanth to Sooryavanshi

The Bihar-lad is on top of the priority list of every brand and they are making a bee-line to rope him as brand ambassador, offering signed blank cheques. The 43-year-old has cautioned the youngster to not get distracted by the glamour, spotlight and the moolah.

He said, "I will request him to stay away from his managers. He should stay under the care of his family, as he is only 15. He should simply focus on playing cricket. Stay away from all the ads for one or two years. Nothing of that matters as of now, focus on your game."

The advice comes at a time when Sooryavanshi's popularity has exploded far beyond cricket circles. The Rajasthan Royals opener has become a household name following a season that saw him dominate some of the world's finest bowlers while rewriting several IPL records.

The left-hander finished IPL 2026 with 776 runs at an average of 48.50 and a staggering strike rate of 237.31. He became the youngest Orange Cap winner in tournament history and shattered Chris Gayle's long-standing record for most sixes in a single IPL season, clearing the ropes 72 times.

While those numbers alone would justify the excitement surrounding him, Sreesanth believes Sooryavanshi's impact could eventually extend far beyond franchise cricket.

Sreesanth Makes Bold Prediction

"Six years ago, I predicted that if RCB win once, they will win two or three times in a row. RCB have now won two titles in a row," Sreesanth said. "Now, I am saying that Sooryavanshi will bring gold. He will bring Olympic gold for India in LA 2028."

Cricket's inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics has opened a completely new chapter for the sport. The format is expected to be T20, and with India widely regarded as one of the favourites whenever it takes the field, conversations about potential Olympic success have already begun.

For Sreesanth, Sooryavanshi could become one of the central figures in that journey. "Cricket is going to the world because of Sachin (Tendulkar) Paaji and Virat Kohli. Cricket has come into the Olympic-fold because of Virat's fan following. That was one of the main reasons the game became so global."

"But because of Sooryavanshi and his cricket, I believe India can win Olympic gold. Cricketers will be known as Olympians because of this game."

It is a remarkable endorsement from a man who understands what it takes to perform on the biggest stages. Sreesanth was part of India's triumphant squads at the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, experiencing first-hand the pressure and expectations that accompany Indian cricket.

His comments also arrive at a fascinating moment in Sooryavanshi's development. The teenager has already earned his maiden India T20I call-up for the upcoming Ireland and England series, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the national team. Before joining the senior side, he is currently part of the India A setup touring Sri Lanka, where he continues his progression through the system.

The hype surrounding him has become so significant that even an India A tri-series has attracted unusual levels of media attention. Broadcasters have expanded coverage, fans have flocked to training venues, and cricket observers across Asia are eager to see whether the teenager can continue his remarkable ascent.

Yet amid the excitement, Sreesanth's message remains rooted in patience.

The former pacer believes that while talent can open doors, longevity will depend on protecting the young batter from the pressures that often accompany early fame. Endorsements, commercial opportunities and constant public attention will all arrive naturally if the cricket continues to flourish.

For now, he believes the priority should remain simple i.e. Play cricket. Learn. Improve. Everything else can wait.

If Sooryavanshi continues on his current trajectory, India may well have found a generational talent capable of shaping the next decade of its cricketing future. Whether that journey eventually culminates in Olympic gold remains to be seen.

But if Sreesanth's prediction proves accurate, the 15-year-old from Samatipur may one day become much more than an IPL sensation or an international cricketer. He may become India's first cricketing Olympian to stand atop the podium with a gold medal around his neck.