Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines as Rajasthan Royals Defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 Eliminator

In a thrilling IPL 2026 Eliminator, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 97 runs led Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 15-year-old's remarkable performance included 12 sixes, setting a new record for the most sixes in a season. Despite a strong start from SRH, Jofra Archer's bowling dismantled their top order, securing the win for RR. SRH's coach praised the emergence of young talent in their squad, reflecting on a successful season despite the elimination. Sooryavanshi was named 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding contribution.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 28, 2026, 10:50 IST

Sooryavanshi's Explosive Performance

In a thrilling Eliminator match of IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's remarkable innings propelled Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Maharaja Yadavindra International Stadium. The 15-year-old sensation scored an impressive 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, featuring 12 sixes and five fours, leading his team to a total of 243/8.

Praise from SRH Coach

James Franklin, the Assistant Coach of SRH, commended Sooryavanshi's extraordinary hitting ability, stating that his talent is unparalleled. During the post-match press conference, he remarked, "What he's doing is remarkable. Considering he has potentially 25 years ahead in his career is quite intimidating. He will only improve and mature as a player."

Record-Breaking Season

Sooryavanshi has set a new record for the most sixes in an IPL season, surpassing Chris Gayle with a total of 65 sixes. He currently leads the tournament in runs scored, amassing 680 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 242 and an average of 45, including 55 fours.

Bowling Strategy Against Sooryavanshi

Franklin discussed the challenges bowlers faced when trying to contain Sooryavanshi, noting, "There was a very narrow margin for error when bowling to him. The pitch conditions made it even more difficult for bowlers to execute their plans effectively." He acknowledged Sooryavanshi's ability to adapt and exploit bowlers' weaknesses.

Archer's Impact on SRH's Chase

In the chase, SRH struggled early, collapsing to 57/4 during the powerplay, despite Ishan Kishan's brief resistance of 33 runs off 11 balls. Jofra Archer played a pivotal role for Rajasthan, taking three wickets in his first three overs, finishing with figures of 3/58, which significantly hindered SRH's chances.

SRH's Season Reflection

Following their elimination, Franklin reflected on SRH's overall performance this season, stating, "We won nine out of 14 matches in the round-robin stage and finished third due to run rate. Overall, it has been a successful season, with several young players emerging in our squad." He highlighted the contributions of players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and others, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent.

Conclusion

Despite the loss, Sooryavanshi was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding performance, while Rajasthan Royals will advance to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 for a chance to compete in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.