Vaibhav Sooryavanshi excelled in the IPL Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, according to Times of India. The 15-year-old cricketer scored 97 runs off 29 balls after touching the feet of legendary player Sunil Gavaskar for blessings, marking a standout moment in his young career.
What happened
During the IPL 2026 Eliminator, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi touched the feet of Sunil Gavaskar moments before his match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This act of respect was followed by a stunning performance where Sooryavanshi scored 97 runs off just 29 balls, leading the Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run victory.
In an interview, Gavaskar recounted, “What I would say to him is exactly what I said to him yesterday… ‘lage raho bete, lage raho.'” Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings included a record-breaking 65 sixes for the season, surpassing Chris Gayle’s 12-year-old record of 59.
Why it matters
This remarkable achievement positions Sooryavanshi as one of cricket’s rising stars and raises questions about his potential inclusion in the India senior team. Gavaskar believes that 2026 will be remembered as “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Year,” emphasizing the cricketer’s readiness for T20 International play.
Background
On May 27, 2026, Sooryavanshi exhibited his talent in the IPL by consistently dominating bowlers. The campaign leading up to this moment showcased his potential and resilience, prompting discussions about his readiness for international cricket.
What’s next
Rajasthan Royals will face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29, 2026. Gavaskar anticipates Sooryavanshi will likely be named for the T20 series against England later this year.
