“Isn’t just playing”: Fans go berserk after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s insane 97 off – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Stuns IPL: 97 off 29 Balls in Eliminator Masterclass

Aditya Rao · 27/05/2026 · 3 min read

A Star is Born: The Phenomenal Knock of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The New PCA Stadium witnessed history in the making during the IPL 2026 Eliminator between the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a mere 15-year-old prodigy, delivered an innings that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come. In a high-stakes, must-win encounter, the young batter produced a masterclass in power hitting, accumulating 97 runs off just 29 deliveries.

Breaking Records and Defining an Era

Sooryavanshi’s performance was not merely about quick runs; it was about rewriting the history books of the Indian Premier League. During this explosive knock, he hammered 12 towering sixes, putting the SRH pace attack to the sword. His aggressive approach allowed him to reach a half-century in just 16 balls, setting the tone for what would become an legendary powerplay exhibition.

Perhaps most impressive is his dominance throughout the season. Having just entered his second year in the league, Sooryavanshi has already surpassed the legendary Chris Gayle’s single-season record of 59 sixes. With his current tally sitting at 65, the teenager has effectively signaled that a new era of batting has arrived, one that draws comparisons to the greatest legends the game has ever seen, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

The Rahul Dravid Connection

The Rajasthan Royals’ decision to invest in the youngster was heavily influenced by the vision of Rahul Dravid. Recognizing the raw talent and special temperament early on, the management provided Sooryavanshi with the platform to express himself. Even before his 16th birthday, he has proven that he is not just a prospect for the future, but a match-winner in the present.

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Fans and Experts React to the Brilliance

The cricketing community, ranging from analysts to casual fans, took to social media to express their awe at the youngster’s fearless approach. Despite falling just three runs short of a century—a feat that would have seen him challenge Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL hundred—the consensus remains that his 97 was worth far more than a standard century.

Comments flooding social media platforms highlighted the disbelief of onlookers:

Some fans noted that ‘some 97s feel bigger than hundreds’ due to the sheer intensity and pressure of the Eliminator environment.
Humorous suggestions emerged that the franchise should look into a ’25-year contract’ to keep the talent secure.
Many viewers expressed that they felt privileged to witness such a display, describing the innings as ‘pure magic’ and an ‘absolute phenomenon.’

What Lies Ahead

While the innings ended in heartbreak as he was dismissed just before the milestone, the impact of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the IPL landscape is undeniable. He has bypassed established stars and legends with a composure that defies his age. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain glued to this young sensation, who has shown the world that in the modern game, boundaries have no limits for those who dare to dream big.

This performance has certainly set the benchmark for the remainder of the season. Whether he continues this trajectory or faces the inevitable challenges of the professional game, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has officially arrived on the global stage. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to track the rise of this extraordinary young talent.

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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.