Australia pace legend Brett Lee has heaped praise on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling for the teenager to be allowed to develop without the weight of excessive expectations. Sooryavanshi enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals and subsequently earning a call-up to India’s T20I side.

Brett Lee was present on Ranveer Alhabadia’s podcast, “Beer Biceps” where he opened up on the Bihar prodigy. Reflecting on the youngster’s explosive performances, Lee said, “He is incredible. Everyone offshore, away from India, asks the question if he's 15. He is 15 is probably the biggest talking point around the world. I don't care how old he is.”

He added, “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 was particularly impressed by Sooryavanshi’s 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he took on a bowling attack featuring Australian quicks. “They were bowling gas, and he was hooking them off his nose. He is playing proper cricketing shots and has power that he finds from somewhere,” Lee said.

However, Lee believes managing expectations will be crucial. “It won't be his form or batting; it'll only be his mind. He still has to be a kid. Let him be a kid and don't put too much pressure,” he said.

“The best cricketer is Jacques Kallis”: Brett Lee explains why he ranks the South African above Sachin Tendulkar

Brett Lee has made an interesting distinction while discussing the greatest players in cricket, naming South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis as his choice for the greatest cricketer overall, while reserving the title of greatest batter for Sachin Tendulkar. Speaking on the BeerBiceps podcast, Lee said, “I've always said that I think that the best batsman to ever play the game is Sachin Tendulkar. But the best cricketer is Jacques Kallis.” Explaining his choice, the former Australian fast bowler pointed towards Kallis’ extraordinary all-round numbers, adding, “He's got the best numbers in the world. If you look at his stats, the stats don't lie. He's incredible.”

Lee also revealed that watching Kallis prepare for matches left a lasting impression on him. Having played alongside the South African at Kolkata Knight Riders, Lee recalled how relaxed Kallis remained before games. “His heart rate was about 30 beats a minute before going out to bat as he was chilled out. So relaxed,” Lee said. Kallis’ career statistics support Lee’s argument, with the former all-rounder scoring 13,289 Test runs and taking 292 wickets, alongside 11,579 ODI runs and 273 wickets.