Kamal Ghorui
The third day of the Indian Premier League 2026 witnessed a sensational start for Rajasthan Royals as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered on his growing reputation with a blistering half-century to script a dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday.All eyes were on the 15-year-old prodigy, and he did not disappoint. Sooryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 52 off just 17 balls, laced with four boundaries and five towering sixes, as RR chased down a modest target of 128 with a remarkable 7.5 overs to spare.The left-hander, who had already grabbed global attention with his record-breaking debut season last year, survived an early scare after being dropped off the very first ball he faced. However, he quickly settled in and launched a ferocious counterattack, racing to his fifty in just 15 deliveries.Reflecting on his approach, Sooryavanshi said he balances attack with caution but emphasised the importance of the powerplay. “I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial,” he said.His fearless hitting included consecutive sixes off Noor Ahmad, sending the home crowd into a frenzy before he eventually fell to a sharp catch in the deep.Bowlers set up commanding winEarlier, RR’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as their attack dismantled CSKs batting lineup. Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja claimed two wickets each to bundle out Chennai for 127 in 19.4 overs.CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and debutant Sanju Samson fell cheaply, leaving the five-time champions struggling. A late effort from Jamie Overton (43 off 36 balls) helped push the total to a somewhat respectable score.Burger, who returned figures of 2 for 26, was named Player of the Match, while Archer impressed with a tidy 2 for 19.Gaikwad admitted it was a shaky start for his side. “A lot of youngsters in the group, so probably a nervy start for everyone. Good to get a game behind us, but we need to improve quickly,” he said. CSK are also without veteran MS Dhoni, who continues to recover from a calf strain.IPL action shifts to MullanpurWith RR off to a flying start and CSK left searching for answers, the spotlight now shifts to Day 4 action. Punjab Kings take on Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh later today, as the tournament gathers early momentum.
