Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to dominate IPL 2026 Eliminator by ex-BCCI selector – IPL 2026: Kris Srikkanth Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Shine in Eliminator vs SRH

Aditya Rao · 27/05/2026 · 3 min read

The High-Stakes Clash at Mullanpur

The stage is set for a gripping showdown at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) prepare to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. With the tournament reaching its business end, every delivery carries the weight of an entire season.

Rajasthan Royals enter this fixture following a rollercoaster league campaign. Despite a dominant start, the inaugural champions faced significant turbulence in the middle phase of the tournament, winning only two out of eight matches during a difficult stretch. However, they displayed commendable character to clinch their last two league games, ultimately securing fourth place with 16 points. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third with 18 points, setting up a clash that promises to test both tactical acumen and individual brilliance.

Srikkanth’s Strategic Outlook

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth, known for his incisive cricket analysis, has weighed in on the matchup, favoring the Rajasthan Royals with a 55-45 edge. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth highlighted the importance of RR’s top order and the lethal potential of their bowling attack.

“I believe it’s 55-45 to RR,” Srikkanth noted. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t score in the last match, and he has that fire. Usually, if he fails in one game, he performs in the next. If he and Jaiswal set the tone, that’ll be enough for RR, with Jurel batting very well. If Archer bowls two deadly deliveries and removes Head and Abhishek, he can finish you off in the powerplay itself.”

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The Phenomenon: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has captured the imagination of the cricketing world. His campaign in IPL 2026 has been nothing short of extraordinary, establishing him as the primary run-scorer for the Royals. With 583 runs under his belt at an average of 41.64, it is his strike rate of 232 that truly sets him apart. Having smashed 53 sixes—a record for an Indian batter in a single IPL season—Sooryavanshi has become a symbol of modern, fearless batting.

While his recent outing against the Mumbai Indians did not yield the desired result, his track record suggests that a bounce-back performance is highly probable. The pressure of an Eliminator is immense, yet the young star has shown a maturity that belies his age throughout the season.

SRH: A Formidable Opposition

Despite favoring RR, Srikkanth was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by the Sunrisers. He described SRH as a “gun side” on paper, particularly praising their robust middle order. “SRH’s real plus is Kishan and Klaasen. Their Nos. 3 and 4 are too strong and have been the best 3 and 4 in the competition,” he added. With such a strong lineup, the SRH management will be confident in their ability to chase or set a competitive total.

The Road to the Final

The intensity of the upcoming Eliminator cannot be overstated. The loser will be forced to pack their bags, while the winner will move on to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29. The ultimate prize, the IPL 2026 trophy, awaits the victor of the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru already await after their victory in Qualifier 1.

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As fans look forward to the action in Mullanpur, all eyes will be on whether the young prodigy Sooryavanshi can live up to the high expectations set by cricket legends and lead the Royals to the next stage of the competition.

Aditya Rao

Aditya Rao is a senior cricket correspondent for Hindustan Times, known for his unflinching deep dives into the corridors of Indian cricket governance and the forgotten tiers of the domestic game. A graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia and a trained investigative journalist, Aditya brings a policy-level rigour rarely seen on the sports pages. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between the Test match purist and the systemic realities of the modern game—covering everything from Ranji Trophy structural reforms to the economics of player development in India’s hinterlands. He has broken several major stories on administrative overhauls and has profiled dozens of unsung players from India’s age‑group pathways. A recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award and a trusted voice for accountability in sport, Aditya continues to write with a belief that a robust cricketing culture depends as much on sound governance as it does on a solid cover drive.