NEW DELHI: A dazzling IPL 2026 contest offered plenty of big-hitting moments and a chase that kept everyone on the edge, but it was Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who truly owned the headlines. Even Pat Cummins—despite being on the winning side—couldn’t hide his admiration after witnessing a performance that combined fearless timing with raw power. While Rajasthan ultimately came up short, Sooryavanshi’s explosive 103 came off just 37 balls and stood out as the match’s defining individual display.
Sooryavanshi’s knock helped Rajasthan set a formidable target, with the Royals finishing their innings on 228 for 6 after being sent in first. The 15-year-old batted with striking confidence, carving through the bowling attack and turning momentum into runs at a rapid pace. Cummins, speaking after the game, made it clear how impressed he was by the batter’s impact: “Yeah, I think he’s my new favourite player. He hits the ball so hard, it’s great to watch. It’s good fun.” The captain added that the young hitter’s effectiveness is tied to picking the right areas and punishing mistakes consistently. “You’ve got to be right on the money as a bowler. Because if you’re not, it’s going a long way. He’s impressive.” Cummins also praised the way Sooryavanshi takes the game forward, saying, “He’s had a great start to his career. I love the way he plays. It takes the game on.”
Crucially, Sooryavanshi wasn’t carrying the innings alone. Dhruv Jurel provided the quick support Rajasthan needed, striking 51 off 35 balls. Together, the pair stitched a 112-run stand for the second wicket, creating a platform that made the total challenging from the outset. Later in the innings, Donovan Ferreira added impetus with a brisk 33, helping Rajasthan reach a mark that put pressure on any chase.
Still, Sunrisers Hyderabad produced a chase full of intent and execution. Ishan Kishan spearheaded the run chase with a sensational 74 off 31 deliveries, while Abhishek Sharma added another 57 from just 29 balls. Their aggressive batting ensured SRH kept finding boundaries and maintained the required rate throughout. In the end, Hyderabad reached 229 for 5 in 18.3 overs, finishing the contest with nine balls remaining to seal a memorable win.
For Cummins, the victory was immediate and emphatic, with his return as captain reflected in the way SRH hunted down the target under pressure. Though the outcome didn’t go Rajasthan’s way, the emergence of Sooryavanshi signals a promising future—one that is already earning attention from cricket’s biggest names.
