The IPL 2026 season witnessed another breathtaking display of power hitting as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself as a force to reckon with. At just 15 years old, the Rajasthan Royals opener has been terrorizing bowlers with a destructive brand of batting reminiscent of West Indian legend Chris Gayle in his prime. 

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan didn’t mince words, stating that bowlers now face the same psychological pressure from Sooryavanshi that Gayle once imposed.

A Masterclass Against Lucknow

Chasing a daunting 221-run target at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Sooryavanshi unleashed a stunning innings of 93 off just 38 balls. The young prodigy smashed seven boundaries and 10 sixes, methodically dismantling the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling attack. 

His clinical approach ensured the Royals cruised to a seven-wicket victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive and reinforcing his status as a match-winner.

On the Verge of History

With 10 sixes in this innings, Sooryavanshi has lifted his season tally to an astonishing 53 sixes, putting him within reach of Gayle’s record of 59 sixes in a single IPL season, set back in 2012. Pathan highlighted the teenager’s remarkable ability to accelerate after a cautious start, noting that Sooryavanshi operated at a strike rate below 100 for his first 10 balls before unleashing his full arsenal of power hitting.

Praise from the Experts

Former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar described the innings as a ‘pure T20 masterclass’, stressing that conventional cricket terminology fails to capture the sheer brilliance of the teenager. Bangar added that Sooryavanshi’s explosive talent will undoubtedly draw crowds wherever he plays.

For his heroic knock, Sooryavanshi earned his third Player of the Match award this season. 

More importantly, his blistering performance cements his reputation as a teenage prodigy capable of rewriting records and instilling fear in bowlers across the IPL.