Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a breathtaking performance during the IPL 2026 Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur on Wednesday, smashing a blistering 97 off just 29 balls and rewriting the record books in the process.
The 15-year-old prodigy reached his half-century in only 16 deliveries and surpassed former West Indies star Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. Entering the match with 53 sixes to his name, Sooryavanshi overtook Gayle’s tally of 59 with another display of fearless power-hitting.
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His explosive knock left the commentary panel stunned. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh asked Virender Sehwag how much he would bid for the teenager if he entered the IPL auction. Sehwag immediately responded that he would pay Rs 30 crore, while former India batter Aakash Chopra quickly added that he would happily match the amount.
Sooryavanshi eventually fell for 97, narrowly missing out on both a century and Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL hundred, which still stands at 30 balls.
The teenager’s remarkable rise has sparked growing calls for his fast-tracked inclusion into India’s senior men’s team. Less than a year after making his IPL debut, Sooryavanshi is already being viewed as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket.
Fans may soon get another glimpse of his abilities, as the youngster is expected to represent India-A next month during a tri-series in Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Tilak Varma.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal described Sooryavanshi as a “special talent” and stressed the importance of proper guidance and mental conditioning as the youngster continues his rapid ascent.
“I feel the BCCI and the franchise would need to handhold him in terms of showing him the right way so that his temperament stays intact. Because sport is not only about physical skill, it is also about mental toughness,” Dhumal told The Times of India ahead of the Eliminator clash.
“And definitely, we will do our bit to make sure that the kind of skill set he has allows him to perform for India for many, many years to come,” he added.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
