Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sets New IPL Record at Just 15 Years Old

Record-Breaking Performance in IPL 2026 Eliminator

In a thrilling IPL 2026 Eliminator match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 27, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) delivered an extraordinary performance at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. He scored an impressive 97 runs off just 29 balls, featuring 12 sixes and 5 fours, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 334.48. This explosive innings helped RR set a formidable total of 243/8 in their 20 overs, which their bowlers successfully defended, dismissing SRH for 196 in 19.2 overs, thus securing a 47-run victory and a spot in Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans.

Sooryavanshi Breaks Long-Standing IPL Record

During his remarkable innings, Sooryavanshi not only made headlines but also broke several records, most notably surpassing Chris Gayle's long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. Gayle had set the record at 59 sixes in IPL 2012, a benchmark that remained unchallenged for 14 years until Sooryavanshi's performance in this match. Entering the playoffs with 53 sixes, he hit seven more during the game, bringing his total to 65, making him the first player to hit over 60 sixes in a single IPL season.

A Historic Moment in Cricket

At just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi's achievement is particularly remarkable considering he was only one year old when Gayle set his record in 2012. This milestone highlights the generational shift in cricket, as Sooryavanshi has not only broken a record but has also established himself as a new icon of power-hitting in the IPL.

Social Media Reaction

The cricket community and fans took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their astonishment at Sooryavanshi's feat. Many referred to his innings as 'pure cinema,' marveling at how a player who was a toddler when Gayle set the record has now rewritten IPL history at such a young age. Fans have dubbed him the 'New Universe Boss,' praising his remarkable power-hitting skills.

Upcoming Matches

Sooryavanshi currently leads the Orange Cap race with 680 runs, including a century and four fifties, boasting an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85 across 15 matches. He is set to return to the field when the Rajasthan Royals face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29.