Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15 years old, smashed 78 runs off 26 balls to lead Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, chasing 202 with two overs to spare.
His explosive innings moved him to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap standings with 200 runs in four matches, keeping RR unbeaten in the tournament.
Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting against Josh Hazlewood mirrored his earlier takedown of Jasprit Bumrah. He struck Hazlewood for three fours and a six in four consecutive deliveries, showing clean striking and rapid decision-making. Of his 78 runs, 74 came in boundaries, underscoring his dominance over world-class bowlers.
The teenager follows a mantra of “play the ball,” focusing on the merit of each delivery rather than the bowler’s reputation. He credits practice and natural instincts for his ability to stay composed and deliver high-impact performances against elite attacks.
His 108-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel in just 6.1 overs proved decisive in the chase. Jurel’s unbeaten 81 complemented Sooryavanshi’s blitz, while Ravindra Jadeja added a steady 24 not out. The rapid scoring ensured RR completed the chase comfortably, consolidating their lead in the points table.
Sooryavanshi’s early-season dominance includes a 15-ball fifty against RCB and consistent runs against top-ranked bowlers. His strike rate has surged past 200, making him the standout performer of IPL 2026. With the Orange Cap firmly on his head, the teenager has become the tournament’s biggest talking point.
