NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s unbelievable IPL 2026 season continued to grab global attention after his explosive 97 off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator.
The 15-year-old
Rajasthan Royals batter smashed 12 sixes and broke Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single T20 tournament, taking his tally to 65 maximums this season. His fearless batting left former cricketers and legends stunned.
Andre Russell was among the latest stars to praise the teenager.
“Congratulations, youngster, haters will say you're not 15 years old, who cares, 30 years old players out there trying their best to do what you're doing. Keep going, I'am a big fan. See ball, hit ball!” Russell wrote on Instagram.
Sachin Tendulkar also admired the youngster’s technique and attacking mindset.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's bat swing has been outstanding. What's even more remarkable is how beautifully he clears his front foot to create room for balls aimed at his legs,” Sachin posted on X, calling the innings “nothing short of spectacular”.
Yuvraj Singh joined the praise as well, posting, “Boss baby breaks world bosses record! Unbelievable this kid great to watch”. Former India batter Mohammed Kaif described Sooryavanshi as a “future star” and a “miracle” for Indian cricket.
Sooryavanshi’s season has rewritten IPL history in multiple ways. He became the youngest batter to score 600 runs in an IPL season and now holds the record for most sixes in an IPL innings by an Indian player.
His 12 sixes against SRH were also the most ever in an IPL playoff innings.
The left-hander has scored 680 runs in 15 innings at a stunning strike rate above 242, including one century and four fifties. His aggressive batting has powered Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2 and made him the breakout star of IPL 2026.
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