Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A subdued outing with the bat could not stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from scripting history as the teenage sensation rewrote the record books during Rajasthan Royals’ 40-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.The 15-year-old opener managed just 8 off 11 balls in a low-scoring contest at the Ekana Stadium, but his brief stay proved historic. Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever to reach 500 IPL runs, surpassing Prithvi Shaw (19 years and 164 days), and also the fastest to the milestone by balls faced, getting there in just 227 deliveries — 33 fewer than previous record-holder Australia’s Glenn Maxwell.Records tumble despite lean outingAt just 15 years and 26 days, Sooryavanshi continues to redefine early success in the IPL. Former RR skipper Sanju Samson (19 years and 195 days) now slips to third on the list of youngest players to 500 runs. Despite Wednesday’s quiet knock, the youngster remains RR’s top scorer this season with 254 runs, including two explosive fifties off just 15 balls each — joint third-fastest in league history.Overall, Sooryavanshi’s numbers underline his impact: 506 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.14 and a staggering strike rate above 213. His reputation was cemented last season with a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans — the fastest by an Indian in IPL history and second-fastest overall.Ravindra Jadeja shines as RR bounce backWhile Sooryavanshi broke records, it was Ravindra Jadeja who anchored the victory with a crucial all-round display. His unbeaten 43, combined with a key wicket, earned him the Player of the Match award, which he dedicated to his wife Rivaba Jadeja.Jadeja admitted the pitch was tricky, with seam and swing making strokeplay difficult, prompting him to adopt a patient approach. With the ball, he smartly varied his pace, even joking about having Nicholas Pooran “in his pocket” after outfoxing him.RR captain Riyan Parag felt his side fell slightly short with the bat, suggesting a total closer to 180 was possible. However, the bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, ensured the target was more than enough.The victory lifts Rajasthan Royals to second place on the points table, while Lucknow Super Giants remain near the bottom.
