Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s momentum in this IPL season has been striking, with the young left-handed batter quickly turning into one of the tournament’s most discussed names. Although he has been building his reputation since making his debut last year, the current campaign has elevated his standing even further, as he has repeatedly delivered innings-shaping contributions from the top of the order.
Sooryavanshi has handled the spotlight with poise, confidence, and a clear intent to take control early—qualities that have made him a vital part of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting structure. Across 14 matches, he has amassed 583 runs, posting an average of 41.64 and a striking strike rate of 232.27. His fearless style has been a consistent theme, capped by a highest score of 103. The numbers also reflect his growing authority: one century and three half-centuries so far, underlining how much influence he has added to the league.
Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath recently named his best XI from the IPL 2026 league stage, and the most talked-about call was his inclusion of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over established stars such as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Both Kohli and Rahul have also reached the 500-run mark this season, which only adds weight to Badrinath’s decision. Sooryavanshi’s explosive run at the top—combined with the way he has repeatedly made the early overs count—earned him a place in the lineup, showcasing the impact he has made in a short span.
For the opening slot, Badrinath paired Sooryavanshi with Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. Gill has been in outstanding rhythm and has led from the front with 616 runs, helping his team finish second in the league stage. Sai Sudharsan—who has been operating as the Orange Cap leader—was placed at No. 3, completing a top-heavy batting plan built to dominate the powerplay and build momentum through the middle overs.
The middle order in Badrinath’s XI features Heinrich Klaasen and RCB captain Rajat Patidar. Both have stood out for their ability to take the attack to the bowlers even while the ball is turning, particularly during the central phase of the innings. Krunal Pandya is selected for his all-round value and the smart variety he brings with both bat and ball, while Sunil Narine is brought in as the specialist spinner to round out a side designed to stay aggressive across phases.
In the pace resources, Badrinath opted for a four-man bowling unit consisting of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, and Kagiso Rabada, with the trio joined by a role-specific approach around them—while Rabada and the rest of the group reflect the current Purple Cap leadership in the season. The more headline-worthy inclusions, though, are the young quicks Prince Yadav and Kartik Tyagi. They have grabbed attention with raw pace and a fearless approach, making waves even though their respective teams are already out of the playoff race. Their standout performances in otherwise uneven campaigns have earned them recognition alongside several of the tournament’s biggest names.
Subramaniam Badrinath IPL 2026 XI
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Shubman Gill
- Sai Sudharsan
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Rajat Patidar
- Krunal Pandya
- Sunil Narine
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Jofra Archer
- Kagiso Rabada
- Prince Yadav / Kartik Tyagi
