Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already dreaming big ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The 14-year-old prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar, is set to return for the Rajasthan Royals after an impressive debut campaign in 2025 that instantly made him one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. Sooryavanshi made his IPL debut last year and quickly grabbed attention with his fearless stroke play.
In just seven matches, the left-handed batter scored 252 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 200, showing remarkable maturity for someone so young. His aggressive approach and ability to take on experienced bowlers earned praise from fans and experts alike. The youngster’s reputation grew even further last month when he smashed a sensational 175 in the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup against England, guiding India to a memorable victory. The innings highlighted his immense potential and reinforced the belief that he could soon become a regular name in India’s top cricketing circles.
Speaking during the Board of Control for Cricket in India Naman Awards in New Delhi on March 15, Sooryavanshi was asked by renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle about the IPL record he would most like to break in the upcoming season. The teenager did not hesitate before naming one of the most iconic records in T20 history. “Sir wahi 175 ka record todne ka,” he said, referring to the record for the highest individual score in IPL history.
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The benchmark was set by legendary West Indies batter Chris Gayle, who hammered an unbeaten 175 off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the 2013 season. The record has remained untouched for over a decade, making it one of the most daunting milestones in the league.
Boss Baby has his eyes set for this one! 👀
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieve this feat in the #TATAIPL 2026 ✍️👇
Watch BCCI Naman awards 👉https://t.co/8W5zMWhfvk pic.twitter.com/CZ3xnzqifF
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026
The journey continues for Team India’s rising star. ⭐
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has his focus set on the next trophy.#NamanAwards, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/XGKhP1qQbW pic.twitter.com/qmLoM7LVRH
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026
Interestingly, only Gayle and Brendon McCullum have crossed the 150-run mark in an IPL innings so far. Among Indian players, the highest individual score belongs to Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 141 off 55 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
Despite his personal ambitions, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emphasised that his primary goal for IPL 2026 is team success. “Iss season yahi goal hai ki team ke liye trophy jeete, kyuki vo bahut zyada important cheej hai,” he said, explaining that winning the title for Rajasthan Royals matters more than individual milestones.
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In IPL 2026, the Royals will begin a new chapter under the leadership of Riyan Parag, who was appointed captain after Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings in a trade deal ahead of the auction. For the young Sooryavanshi, the upcoming season offers another opportunity to prove that his fearless batting is more than just a promising start.
