Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL’s “six-hitting” bar to a new level, moving past Chris Gayle’s single-season mark by launching 12 maximums against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday. The teenager’s six-hitting spree didn’t just rewrite record books—it also sparked a playful branding moment from the league’s official broadcast team, which dubbed him the “Universe Boss Baby”.
Key takeaways
- Sooryavanshi struck 12 sixes in the Eliminator versus Sunrisers Hyderabad to set the record for the most maximums in a single IPL season.
- His six-hitting knock included a rapid 97 off 29 balls as Rajasthan Royals posted 243/8.
- With 680 runs, he is currently leading the Orange Cap race for the season.
- Rajasthan batting coach Vikram Rathour responded to Sunil Gavaskar with a teasing comment about getting the batter out in nets.
- Rathour’s playing career included India’s batting coaching role from 2021 to 2024, and a Test debut in 1996 at Birmingham against England.
From Gayle’s legacy to “Universe Boss Baby”
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi effectively stepped out of Chris Gayle’s IPL shadow by becoming the batter with the highest number of sixes in one season. His defining moment arrived in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he launched 12 sixes, taking the conversation beyond raw power and into the realm of records and branding. Those 12 hits also helped him break multiple other benchmarks, prompting Star Sports—the official broadcaster of the IPL—to hand him the playful nickname “Universe Boss Baby”.
Rathour’s nets banter and the Archer question
As Sooryavanshi dismantled the SRH bowling attack, Rajasthan’s camp naturally drew attention. RR batting coach Vikram Rathour was asked by Sunil Gavaskar whether anyone inside the franchise could actually get the teenager dismissed during net sessions. A similarly themed question was posed to pacer Jofra Archer—specifically, where he bowls to Sooryavanshi in the nets. Archer, however, chose not to answer on the spot and said he would save his response for after the end of the season.
Rathour, though, offered a cheeky reply to Gavaskar. He indicated that it was only himself who could do the job, adding that he throws the ball with his bat and that he manages to get Sooryavanshi out in practice quite often—while refusing to explain the method.
Rathour’s background and the shared Test debut series
Rathour isn’t new to international cricket. He served as India’s batting coach from 2021 through 2024 and made his Test debut for the country during the Birmingham Test against England in 1996. The article also notes that former India captains Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly made their Test debut in that same England series, with their first outing coming in the very next match at Lord’s.
Sooryavanshi’s 97 and Rajasthan’s 243/8
Against SRH, Sooryavanshi’s innings was the headline. He smashed a stunning 97 off just 29 deliveries, including 12 sixes, attacking the bowling unit with bold, fearless stroke play. His assault guided Rajasthan to a commanding total of 243/8.
Even with the fireworks, he narrowly missed out on the IPL record for the fastest century. Still, the sheer pace and aggression of his 97 left the opposition bowlers shell-shocked, and his season tally continues to climb—he currently leads the Orange Cap with 680 runs.
