NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s astonishing IPL 2026 campaign took yet another dramatic turn in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where the 15-year-old produced a stunning 97 off just 29 deliveries. Bursting into life from the outset, the Rajasthan Royals batter struck 12 sixes in his whirlwind knock and, in the process, surpassed Chris Gayle’s long-standing mark for the most maximums in a single IPL season. With those hits adding to his season total, he now sits on 65 sixes, underscoring how relentlessly he has been attacking the game this year. His fireworks did not come in isolation—Rajasthan’s powerhouse batting helped them defeat SRH by 47 runs and secure a place in Qualifier 2, keeping their momentum firmly on track.
The innings quickly became a talking point beyond the boundary ropes, with numerous cricket veterans and public figures turning to social media to heap praise on the teenage sensation. Sachin Tendulkar highlighted Sooryavanshi’s technical excellence, focusing on the way his bat swing allows him to generate power, and also noting how effectively he clears his front foot to open up space for balls aimed at his legs. Tendulkar’s message described the knock as “nothing short of spectacular,” emphasizing how impressive the teenager’s method looks even under high-pressure circumstances. Yuvraj Singh called him “unbelievable,” while Suresh Raina suggested the performances were proof that the “Indian future is in safe hands.”
Several international voices joined the chorus as well. Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop praised the “rare quality” in his strokeplay, pointing to the unusual skill level for someone so young. Mohammad Kaif added his own awe, saying, “We are seeing a miracle, we are seeing a future star, we are seeing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the wonder boy.” Even former England captain Michael Vaughan didn’t hold back, writing that the youngster could be “the best T20 opener in the World,” and urging that India should “pick him,” a statement that reflected the hype around Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise.
AB de Villiers also weighed in, commending the calmness Sooryavanshi showed when it mattered most. De Villiers specifically pointed to the “game awareness” he displayed in a knockout match—an ability that, in de Villiers’ view, is remarkably rare for a player of such young age. Anil Kumble echoed a similar sentiment about composure, remarking that pressure “simply doesn’t seem to affect him,” while Kagiso Rabada described the fearless approach as genuinely fascinating to watch. The praise even extended outside sport, with politician P Chidambaram calling the innings “spectacular,” as the scale of the performance continued to reverberate.
From record-breaking six-hitting to match-winning impact in the Eliminator, Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of IPL 2026’s most compelling breakout stars. Each game is only adding to the reputation of a player who appears to be growing into the spotlight with remarkable confidence, turning his extraordinary talent into results that keep Rajasthan Royals moving forward.
