Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is keeping fans talking in IPL 2026—both for his batting and for an airport prank that he pulled on two young supporters. A video shared by the franchise shows the 15-year-old having fun after meeting children who asked for a photograph.
Quick facts
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a prank on two fans at an airport.
- The clip was posted by Rajasthan Royals on their social media channels.
- Sooryavanshi told the kids he charges money for photos.
- The fans returned with ₹200 for a picture.
- He later revealed it was a prank and posed for more photos.
- In RR’s recent game vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, he made his second IPL hundred off 36 balls.
- That century was the third-fastest in IPL history.
- SRH captain Pat Cummins praised his power and impact.
- Sooryavanshi has 357 runs in eight matches this season (avg 44.63, SR 234.87).
- He has 31 fours and 32 sixes in IPL 2026.
- RR’s next match is against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on April 28.
In the footage, two young fans walk up to Sooryavanshi and request a photo. Instead of turning them down, he plays along with a mock “charge” and tells them that pictures with him come with a fee. His line—“Bhai, main photo lene ka paisa leta hoon. Sahi bol raha hoon bhai”—left the children momentarily stunned.
The supporters quickly returned with ₹200, ready to make the deal happen. After that, Sooryavanshi broke the news that it was all a prank, and he then happily posed for a few more pictures with them.
Second hundred in 36 balls
While the airport moment showed his playful side, his recent form has been equally eye-catching on the field. In Rajasthan Royals’ match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi struck his second IPL century, reaching the milestone in just 36 deliveries.
That knock also became the third-fastest century in IPL history, underlining how quickly he can shift gears in T20 cricket. The innings has only added to the attention surrounding his rise this season.
SRH captain Pat Cummins, who has seen plenty of elite batting, also weighed in on Sooryavanshi’s impact. Cummins said he sees him as a favourite because the batter hits the ball so hard, calling it enjoyable to watch.
He added that bowlers need to be precise because a half-chance can quickly turn into damage. Cummins described the start to Sooryavanshi’s career as impressive and praised the way the youngster takes the game forward.
Season numbers
Sooryavanshi has been piling up runs at a rapid pace in IPL 2026. He has 357 runs in eight matches, maintaining an average of 44.63 along with a striking strike rate of 234.87.
His boundary count reflects the same attacking approach: 31 fours and 32 sixes so far this season. For a batter, that combination of volume and power is a big part of why he’s drawing both admiration and scrutiny from captains and coaches across the league.
Rajasthan Royals will take the next step in their campaign when they face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on April 28. With his current momentum—plus the confidence that comes from recent big scores—Sooryavanshi will be a key name to watch in the upcoming contest.
