Teen cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rewriting IPL history at just 15 years of age, and now even legendary power-hitter Chris Gayle has acknowledged the youngster as his successor.
The Rajasthan Royals batter delivered another jaw-dropping performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, smashing 97 runs off just 29 balls in a breathtaking innings that powered RR into Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026.
During the knock, Sooryavanshi hammered 12 massive sixes, surpassing Chris Gayle’s long-standing IPL record for most sixes in a single season. Gayle had hit 59 sixes during the 2012 IPL season, while the young batter has already raced past 65 sixes this year.
Chris Gayle Reacts To Vaibhav’s Historic Performance
The explosive innings earned praise from cricket fans and former players across the world, including the legendary “Universe Boss” himself.
Taking to social media platform X, Gayle wrote:
“What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! New six machine.”
The post instantly went viral, with fans calling Sooryavanshi the “Universe Baby Boss” — a nickname that is quickly becoming popular in the cricket world.
Missed Fastest IPL Century By Just 3 Runs
Vaibhav came agonisingly close to breaking another historic IPL record during the innings.
The teenager needed just three more runs to surpass Chris Gayle’s fastest IPL century record of 30 balls. However, he was dismissed on 97, narrowly missing what could have been one of the greatest T20 milestones ever achieved.
Despite falling short of the century, cricket experts praised his fearless batting, composure and unmatched striking ability at such a young age.
IPL’s Biggest Young Superstar
Sooryavanshi first grabbed headlines last season after scoring a stunning 35-ball century on IPL debut. However, IPL 2026 has transformed him into one of the tournament’s biggest superstars.
The Rajasthan Royals batter currently leads the Orange Cap race with 680 runs in 15 matches. He has maintained an impressive average of 45.33 and an unbelievable strike rate of 242.85.
His aggressive style, clean ball-striking and consistency have drawn comparisons with some of the greatest T20 batters in cricket history.
Rajasthan Royals Eye Second IPL Trophy
Rajasthan Royals are heavily depending on their teenage batting sensation as they continue their hunt for a second IPL title.
With confidence soaring and records tumbling, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could once again become the biggest game-changer when RR faces Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
For cricket fans, the rise of the “Universe Baby Boss” may just be the beginning of a historic career.
