AB de Villiers Praises Young Cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Stellar Performance
Sooryavanshi Shines in Eliminator Match
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed admiration for 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following his outstanding performance in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured a convincing 47-run victory over SRH, advancing to the second qualifier where they will compete against Gujarat Titans for a chance to reach the IPL 2026 final, already featuring the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
De Villiers Commends Sooryavanshi's Composure
During a discussion on JioHotstar, de Villiers praised Sooryavanshi's remarkable ability to maintain composure despite the tactical shifts implemented by SRH captain Pat Cummins. He noted, "What impressed me most about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings was his calmness and clarity under pressure at such a young age. Pat Cummins and the Sunrisers kept altering their strategies, changing field placements and varying their bowling lengths to throw him off, yet he remained focused throughout the innings."
Impressive Statistics from Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi scored an impressive 97 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 12 sixes and five fours, which contributed to his team's total of 243/8 in the knockout match. This season, he has accumulated 680 runs in 15 innings, boasting an average of 45.33 and a striking rate of 242.85, including one century and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 103. He has also hit 55 fours and 65 sixes from 280 balls faced.
Kumble Applauds Sooryavanshi's Fearless Play
Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble also commended Sooryavanshi's fearless style and his significant contribution to RR's campaign. He remarked, "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has consistently demonstrated that pressure does not faze him, and this innings was a prime example. In just 29 balls, he shifted the momentum of the game, putting SRH under considerable stress from the outset. Pat Cummins and his bowlers had strategies, but they quickly found themselves at a loss for how to bowl to him."
Kumble further added, "To perform at this level in a knockout match at just 15 years old is extraordinary. His influence on Rajasthan Royals' journey to Qualifier 2 is undeniable, and leading the Orange Cap standings at this point underscores the remarkable nature of his season."