Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another jaw-dropping performance in IPL 2026 as the Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation tore apart the SunRisers Hyderabad bowling attack with a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls in the Eliminator at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur. The 15-year-old left-hander unleashed absolute carnage, smashing 12 towering sixes during an innings that pushed several IPL records to the brink.
His fearless assault powered Rajasthan Royals beyond the 200-run mark in rapid time and left the Hyderabad bowlers completely stunned in one of the most explosive playoff knocks in tournament history. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s innings once again highlighted why Rajasthan Royals identified him as a future superstar at such a young age. Backed heavily by Rahul Dravid and the franchise management, the teenager has already become one of the biggest names in world T20 cricket before even turning 16.
The youngster wasted no time taking control of the Eliminator. After racing to a stunning half-century in only 16 deliveries, Sooryavanshi continued his relentless attack and looked set to break Chris Gayle’s iconic 30-ball IPL century record. Although he eventually fell for 97, just three runs short of a memorable hundred, the innings further strengthened his reputation as one of the most destructive batters in the league.
WATCH – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Cummins for Four Sixes
During the knock, Sooryavanshi shattered Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru legend had smashed 59 sixes in a season, but the Rajasthan Royals opener has now surged past that tally with 65 maximums in IPL 2026.
His incredible consistency in clearing the ropes has also helped him equal another Chris Gayle milestone. Sooryavanshi has now recorded four IPL innings featuring 10 or more sixes — matching the legendary West Indian’s long-standing record. Remarkably, three of those innings have come this season alone.
The teenage star had first announced himself on the grand stage during IPL 2025 with a stunning century against Gujarat Titans. Since then, his rise has been unstoppable.
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As soon as Sooryavanshi’s explosive 97 came to an end, social media erupted with reactions from fans and former cricketers, many already calling him the future face of Indian cricket.
Feeling bad for @GautamGambhir.
Next SuperStar of world cricket is surely arrived.!
Sachin
Virat Kohli
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi#SRHvsRR #VaibhavSooryavanshi #ViratKohli #SachinTendulkar
pic.twitter.com/GeEIEK2T9q— Indian. Telugu. Human first (@Love_ISRO) May 27, 2026
I think it’s time to give a 25 year old contract for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. 😂🔥
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) May 27, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Thats its thats the tweet.💀
— ABZYE (@heyzenbergg) May 27, 2026
Heartbroken for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. 💔
Words fail me as I even begin to describe that innings by a 15-year-old phenomenon. Witnessing it was an absolute privilege. Thank you, VS.
97 off 29 in a must-win Eliminator. Legendary!#RRvsSRH #SRHvsRR #IPL2026 #VaibhavSooryavanshi pic.twitter.com/JfhaOSvn92
— Akshay G (@AkshayShakira) May 27, 2026
💐💐🥳Some 97s feel bigger than hundreds.
Especially when they come off just 29 balls.
Well played, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Pure magic.❤❤
— kutty Dargon 🦖 (@algarswami6891) May 27, 2026
