Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A breathtaking clash in IPL 2026 delivered both individual brilliance and a thrilling chase, but it was young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who stole the spotlight and even earned admiration from Pat Cummins.Despite Rajasthan Royals ending up on the losing side, Sooryavanshi’s explosive 37-ball 103 was the standout performance of the match. The teenager displayed remarkable confidence and power, dismantling the opposition bowling attack with ease.
His innings helped Rajasthan post a commanding 228 for 6 after being asked to bat first.Praising the young 15-year-old batter, Cummins said after the match, “Yeah, I think he’s my new favourite player. He hits the ball so hard, it’s great to watch. It’s good fun.“You’ve got to be right on the money as bowler. Because if you’re not, it’s going a long way. He’s impressive.“He’s had a great start to his career. I love the way he plays. It takes the game on.”Watch:Sooryavanshi found solid support from Dhruv Jurel, who contributed a brisk 51 off 35 balls. The duo added 112 runs for the second wicket, setting a strong platform. Later, Donovan Ferreira chipped in with a quick 33 to push the total past 200.However, Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning chase. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 74 off 31 balls, while Abhishek Sharma added 57 from just 29 deliveries. Their aggressive approach ensured SRH reached 229 for 5 in just 18.3 overs, sealing victory with nine balls to spare.Cummins, returning as captain, made an immediate impact by guiding his side to a memorable win. While the result didn’t favor Rajasthan, the emergence of Sooryavanshi signals a bright future, one that already has global cricket stars taking notice.
