Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has applauded teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his stunning power-hitting ability and maturity, backing him to potentially break Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season.

Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble said, “Very few batters can hit sixes over cover with such ease. But Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did it multiple times against Digvesh Rathi. I am glad people still have words to describe such talent. I am running out of my own vocabulary. This kid is very special. What stands out even more is his mindset. Every time he speaks, he sounds mature beyond his years. That is crucial at this age, especially with all the attention and praise coming his way. He understands that this is just the start.”

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However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes in a single IPL edition and now has 53 sixes in the 2026 season. The overall list for most sixes in an IPL season is Chris Gayle (59 in 2012) at the top, followed by Sooryavanshi (53* in 2026), Andre Russell (52 in 2019), Chris Gayle (51 in 2013), Jos Buttler (45 in 2022), Chris Gayle (44 in 2011) and Abhishek Sharma (42 in 2024) as well.

Kumble added, “He said it himself after the match: ‘This is the start of my journey. If my journey is long enough, I will create a few of these records.’ He has already hit 53 sixes this IPL season. Chris Gayle holds the record for most sixes in a season with 59. RR have one more league game and then the playoffs. If they win, he will get more chances. I can see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaking Gayle’s record and making history.”