RCB’s New Owner Seen Around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Jay Shah Watches
A Star-Studded Final in Ahmedabad
The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, May 31, was electric for the IPL 2026 final between the Gujarat Titans and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While the action on the pitch was intense, the VIP box provided its own share of intrigue. Notably, RCB’s New Owner Seen Around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Jay Shah Watches the proceedings unfolded, creating a scene that quickly captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026 final
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the young Rajasthan Royals opener who has taken the tournament by storm, was seen engaged in a friendly conversation with ICC Chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Sitting in the same distinguished row was none other than Kumar Mangalam Birla, a key stakeholder and owner of the RCB franchise, along with former BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar.
A Historic Milestone for Sooryavanshi
Beyond the glamour of the VIP box, the day marked a monumental achievement for the 15-year-old batting prodigy. Sooryavanshi is officially set to become the youngest player in the history of the Indian Premier League to win the coveted Orange Cap. His presence at the final appeared to be part of the official proceedings to collect his award, following the early dismissal of Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan, which confirmed that his lead on the run-scoring charts remained unassailable.
The statistics behind his campaign are nothing short of phenomenal. Across the 2026 season, Sooryavanshi amassed a staggering 776 runs. His consistency was matched by a brutal aggression, reflected in his astronomical strike rate of 237.30 and a healthy average of 48.50. With one century and five half-centuries, he became the backbone of the Royals’ batting lineup. His recent form, which included three scores of 90 or more in his last four innings—most notably a 47-ball 96 against the Titans in the second qualifier—has solidified his status as the find of the season.
The Battle on the Pitch
While the off-field discussions drew headlines, the match itself was dominated by RCB’s clinical bowling performance. After winning the toss and electing to field, the RCB attack dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ top order. The decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar providing early breakthroughs that neutralized the threat posed by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.
The middle phase of the innings was masterfully controlled by the RCB bowlers. Uncapped talent Rasikh Salam was the standout performer, finishing with exceptional figures of 3-27. Krunal Pandya also contributed significantly, conceding only 23 runs in his four-over spell and picking up the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler. For the Titans, Washington Sundar provided some resistance, scoring the only half-century of the innings with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, leading his side to a total of 155-8.
The Path to Glory
As the chase began, RCB looked in firm control of their destiny. Reaching 62-1 after the first five overs, the franchise is well-positioned to secure another title. If Rajat Patidar and his teammates successfully navigate the remainder of the target, they will etch their names into the record books as only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully retain a title.
The presence of high-profile figures like Kumar Mangalam Birla and Jay Shah at the final highlights the growing stature of the IPL. As the league continues to evolve, the intersection of young talent like Sooryavanshi and the visionary leadership of the sport’s administrators ensures that the future of cricket remains as captivating as its history. Whether the focus was on the tactical brilliance on the field or the high-level discussions in the stands, the 2026 IPL final will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event in the sport.
