Rajasthan Royals’ batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a major early-season statement on Tuesday during RR’s IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants, moving into second place on the all-time list for the most powerplay runs in a single IPL campaign. In the Royals’ chase of 221, Sooryavanshi struck 25 runs from 16 balls during the first six overs, lifting his tally past Travis Head to become the batter with the second-highest powerplay total in one IPL season.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s powerplay milestone
Sooryavanshi’s powerplay contribution came as RR chased a target of 221. His 25 runs in the opening overs propelled him ahead of Travis Head, placing him behind only David Warner for the top mark in this category.
- Most powerplay (1–6 overs) runs in an IPL season: 467 — David Warner (2016)
- Most powerplay (1–6 overs) runs in an IPL season: 426 — Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (2026)*
- Most powerplay (1–6 overs) runs in an IPL season: 402 — Travis Head (2024)
- Most powerplay (1–6 overs) runs in an IPL season: 402 — Sai Sudharsan (2025)
- Most powerplay (1–6 overs) runs in an IPL season: 382 — Adam Gilchrist (2009)
Despite the milestone, Sooryavanshi’s innings eventually came to an end when he was dismissed for 93 off 38 balls.
Lucknow’s innings: 220/5 built around Marsh
Lucknow Super Giants, asked to bat first, posted 220 for five against Rajasthan Royals. A standout 96 off 57 balls from Mitchell Marsh anchored the innings and set up a platform for LSG’s push to a big total.
Marsh and Josh Inglis initially combined effectively, with Inglis striking 60 off 29 deliveries as the pair added 109 runs in 50 balls to give Lucknow an early surge. The momentum continued after that, with Marsh and captain Rishabh Pant putting together a third-wicket stand worth 64 runs from 42 balls.
By the time the 18th over concluded, LSG had crossed the 200-run line, with Pant and Marsh completing a 50-run partnership along the way.
Late drama: run outs in the final overs
During the last over of the innings, Lucknow suffered two run-out setbacks that shaped the final figures. Pant was run out for 35 off 23 balls, striking two fours and two sixes in his stay. Marsh, who had been in fine form with his 96 off 57 balls—backed by 11 fours and five sixes—was also run out before the innings ended, leaving Lucknow to finish at 220/5.
Rajasthan bowling: Punja and Archer strike
In response, Rajasthan Royals relied on key wickets to keep Lucknow’s total under pressure. Yash Raj Punja returned figures of 2/35, while Jofra Archer took 1/39.
