Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi credited the steady guidance of his father and team mentors after his stunning match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 on Friday. The 15-year-old struck 78 off just 26 deliveries and drove RR to a successful chase of 201, finishing the job with two overs still left. In the aftermath, Sooryavanshi said his focus is always on “playing the ball”, while also stressing that reminders to stay grounded are constant as his career continues to unfold.
Key takeaways
- Sooryavanshi scored 78 off 26 balls as Rajasthan chased Bengaluru’s 201 successfully.
- RR completed the chase with two overs remaining in the IPL 2026 match on Friday.
- The teenager said he “plays the ball” rather than letting the bowler dictate his approach.
- He credited father Sanjiv and RR support staff member Romi Bhinder for keeping him grounded.
- Murali Kartik urged him to stay humble despite the sudden rise in attention.
- Sooryavanshi currently leads the Orange Cap race with 200 runs from four matches.
Sooryavanshi’s breakthrough innings and mindset
After the fireworks at the crease, Sooryavanshi spoke about the role played by those closest to his cricket development. He credited his father, Sanjiv, along with RR support staff member Romi Bhinder, saying they repeatedly tell him to remain focused and grounded because the journey is long and still only beginning.
Speaking to those present after the game, Sooryavanshi explained that his guidance system includes constant encouragement to keep his priorities straight. He added that he is taught to pay attention to his own game and not get distracted by anything else as his performances gain momentum.
Advice from Murali Kartik and the road ahead
Former India spinner Murali Kartik, who spoke to Sooryavanshi following the match, also delivered a clear message: stay humble even as recognition grows. Kartik highlighted that the entire country seems to be rooting for the youngster, urging him to keep the same mindset his parents have instilled and not divert his attention elsewhere.
Sooryavanshi responded by reaffirming his process. He said he backs the strengths he has practised and focuses on executing plans developed in training. He acknowledged that he is always aware of who is bowling, but insisted that his intention remains to play the ball properly, not to react to the bowler.
After the dismissal and impact on the chase
Although he looked set for a bigger score, Sooryavanshi was visibly disappointed after getting out on 78. By the time he departed, he had already placed RR in a comfortable position together with Dhruv Jurel, who went on to finish the job and secure the win for the team.
Reflecting on his dismissal, Sooryavanshi suggested that staying at the crease would have allowed Rajasthan to reach the target a little earlier. He also admitted that getting out while attempting a loose shot is frustrating, especially when the innings is still capable of driving the chase forward.
Orange Cap form
Fresh off his exploits against RCB, Sooryavanshi is currently sitting at the top of the Orange Cap standings. He has amassed 200 runs across four matches so far, underlining how quickly the young batter has made his mark in IPL 2026.
