“Win the trophy”: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throws challenge to Virat Kohli and RCB a – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sets IPL Ablaze as Royals Eliminate SRH

Sagar Thapa · 27/05/2026 · 3 min read

A Night to Remember in the IPL 2026 Eliminator

The TATA Indian Premier League 2026 reached a fever pitch during the Eliminator match as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) clashed with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In an encounter defined by high stakes and explosive batting, it was the 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who stole the limelight, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The Sooryavanshi Carnage

After SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field, he likely did not anticipate the onslaught that followed. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played an innings of sheer dominance, racing to 97 runs off just 29 deliveries. His knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 12 massive sixes that left the spectators in awe. By the end of his stay at the crease, he had secured the record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, totaling 65.

The Royals’ top order provided the perfect platform, with Yashasvi Jaiswal contributing 29 and Dhruv Jurel adding a crucial 50. Supported by a brisk 26 from skipper Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan side posted a formidable total of 243/8 in their 20 overs, having started their innings with a blistering 80/0 in the powerplay.

SRH Struggle in the Chase

Chasing a massive target of 244, the Sunrisers Hyderabad never found their rhythm. The pressure of the Eliminator environment was palpable as the openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, fell early. While Ishan Kishan attempted to steady the ship with a quick 33, the team lost five wickets within the first 10 overs, effectively ending their hopes of a comeback.

READ: Jasprit Bumrah's Form Crisis: Veda Krishnamurthy Urges MI to Check on Star Pacer

Despite a valiant 56-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy (38) and Salil Arora (35), and a late-order fight from Shivang Kumar (27), SRH was eventually bowled out for 196. The 47-run margin of victory was a testament to the comprehensive display by the Royals.

The Mindset of a Champion

Following his match-winning performance, Sooryavanshi was named the Player of the Match, his third such honor this season. Now sitting at the top of the run-getter charts with 680 runs, the teenager remains remarkably grounded. When asked about his record-breaking innings and the prospect of a century, he remarked that his focus remains entirely on the collective goal.

“Centuries will keep happening, but right now the focus is on how to win the trophy,” Sooryavanshi stated. He emphasized that his preparation is simple: analyzing the bowlers, understanding the pitch conditions, and maintaining positive intent. “I don’t think about what the opposition is planning; that is their business. I focus on my own plans and try to play normal cricket,” he added.

Looking Ahead to Qualifier 2

The victory propels the Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2, where they are set to face the Gujarat Titans. As the tournament reaches its business end, the confidence within the Royals’ camp is sky-high. Sooryavanshi’s ability to remain composed under pressure, combined with the team’s aggressive batting lineup, makes them a formidable force in the quest for the title.

The cricket world waits with bated breath to see if the young sensation can replicate his form in the next crucial fixture. For now, the Rajasthan Royals continue their march, buoyed by the historic efforts of a player who has already defined the spirit of the IPL 2026 season.

Top Run Scorer: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (680 runs)
Match Result: RR won by 47 runs
Upcoming Match: Qualifier 2 vs Gujarat Titans

READ: Yuvraj Singh Hilariously Calls Out Students Gill and Abhishek Sharma

Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.