Rajasthan Royals marched into the next stage of the IPL 2026 campaign after a dominant Eliminator win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivering a vintage batting display. The teenage opener powered Rajasthan to a huge total and then capped the night with explosive finishing, smashing 97 off just 29 deliveries. After the match, Dhruv Jurel outlined the fearless mindset he believes has been driving Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise.
Rajasthan’s barrage sets the tone
- In a high-scoring Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals overpowered Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs.
- Sooryavanshi once again took centre stage for RR, dismantling the SRH bowling attack with a brutal knock that included 12 sixes and five fours.
- Rajasthan posted 243/8, giving their bowlers a defendable but still imposing target in the knockout contest.
- Jurel, too, played his part by contributing a brisk half-century to complement Sooryavanshi’s assault.
Jurel explains Sooryavanshi’s “no-doubt” batting approach
Speaking after the match, Jurel described what he sees as the key to Sooryavanshi’s consistency at such a young age. He said the youngster doesn’t overthink his plans and instead relies on preparation and self-belief every time he walks in.
“The best thing about Vaibhav is that he doesn’t plan too much because he practices a lot and always backs himself. Every time he goes out to bat, he believes in his ability. He never has that shadow of doubt that he can’t do it,” Jurel said at the post-match press conference.
Jurel also explained that Sooryavanshi’s focus is narrow and precise—he concentrates on the ball rather than getting distracted by the bowler’s reputation or role. He pointed out how young players often get drawn toward the bowler, but Sooryavanshi sticks to the basics.
“When you start cricket, coaches tell you to watch the ball, not the bowler. But as youngsters, we always end up watching the bowler. Vaibhav only watches the ball, that’s his mantra. He doesn’t give a damn about any bowler. He just wants to play the ball. That’s all,” Jurel added.
RR defend 244 and finish the job
- With a target of 244 to defend, Rajasthan Royals struck early, restricting SRH to 57/4 inside the powerplay.
- Ishan Kishan briefly steadied the innings, scoring 33 off 11 balls, but the momentum couldn’t be sustained.
- Jofra Archer led the charge with figures of 3/58, while Nandre Burger contributed 2/26 as the pressure continued to build.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, handing Rajasthan a commanding Eliminator triumph by 47 runs.
Sooryavanshi’s 97 off 29, backed by a near-flawless knockout performance from the Royals’ bowling unit, ensured RR moved one step closer to a second IPL title—while the 15-year-old’s fearless brand of batting continues to turn heads across the league.
