Controversial Send-Off by SRH's Praful Hinge Sparks Debate After IPL Eliminator

In a thrilling IPL 2026 Eliminator, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced a 47-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals, leading to their exit from the tournament. The match was marked by a standout performance from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored 97 runs off 29 balls. However, the game took a controversial turn when SRH's Praful Hinge celebrated aggressively after dismissing Sooryavanshi, sparking a heated debate on social media. Fans expressed divided opinions on Hinge's reaction, while Sooryavanshi's remarkable season continues as he leads the Orange Cap race. The young talent will return to action in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 28, 2026, 14:02 IST

SRH's IPL Journey Ends with Defeat to RR

In a dramatic IPL 2026 Eliminator held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 27, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced a disappointing exit after losing to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 47 runs. Chasing a daunting target of 244 runs, SRH was dismissed for 196 runs in just 19.2 overs. Key contributions came from Ishan Kishan (33), Nitish Kumar Reddy (38), and Salil Arora (35), but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact.

RR's Bowling Dominance

Jofra Archer was the standout bowler for RR, claiming 3 wickets for 58 runs in four overs, while maintaining an economy rate of 14.50. Nandra Burger, Sushant Mishra, and Ravindra Jadeja each took two wickets, showcasing a strong team effort that effectively curtailed SRH's chase and secured RR's place in Qualifier 2.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Stellar Performance

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerged as the star of the match, delivering an explosive innings of 97 runs off just 29 balls, featuring 12 sixes and 5 fours, achieving an extraordinary strike rate of 334. The 15-year-old narrowly missed breaking Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century in IPL history.

Controversial Send-Off by Hinge

The match took a controversial turn when Praful Hinge dismissed Sooryavanshi and celebrated aggressively. After being hit for 26 runs in a single over, Hinge's exuberant celebration following the catch at deep third man drew criticism. Sooryavanshi, visibly upset, stood at the crease, unable to comprehend his dismissal just three runs shy of a century.

Social Media Reaction to Hinge's Celebration

Hinge's reaction sparked a heated debate on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). While some fans criticized his aggressive send-off, others defended it as a natural response to dismissing a player who had dominated the game. Comments ranged from admiration for Sooryavanshi's talent to questioning Hinge's sportsmanship.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Season

Despite the loss, Sooryavanshi reclaimed the top position in the Orange Cap race, amassing 680 runs, including a century and four fifties, at an impressive average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85 across 15 matches. His remarkable performance included 65 sixes and 55 fours, with a significant portion of his runs coming from boundaries.

Looking Ahead

Sooryavanshi and RR will be back in action against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29, as they aim for a spot in the finals.