In a remarkable performance against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals’ young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 78 runs off just 26 balls, marking his second half-century of the current IPL season. At just 15 years old, he has made history as the youngest player to score a century in IPL history during the previous season. His explosive innings included eight fours and seven sixes, leading the Royals to a six-wicket victory over Bengaluru.

Earlier in the tournament, Sooryavanshi showcased his talent by hitting Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for two sixes during a 39-run innings against the Mumbai Indians. In the recent match against Bengaluru, he took on Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, smacking one six and four boundaries, while also hitting two sixes and three fours off Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan noted that Sooryavanshi seems to intentionally target key bowlers from the opposing side.

“He appears to specifically aim for the prominent bowlers on the opposing team. His strategy seems to be to disrupt their plans,” Pathan commented during a post-match interview with JioHotstar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had set a target of 201 runs after scoring 201 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Rajat Patidar contributing a solid 63 runs. After struggling at 125 for 7, Patidar and Impact Player Venkatesh Iyer helped the team reach the 200-run milestone. In response, Sooryavanshi started aggressively, scoring 78 runs before being dismissed by Krunal Pandya in the ninth over. Following his innings, wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel added 81 runs—his personal best in the IPL—to help secure the win for the Royals. Jurel praised Sooryavanshi’s influence on the team and how it eased his own batting responsibilities.

“The way Vaibhav plays, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, really uplifts our confidence. It’s hard to believe how someone can hit the ball like that. He is an exceptional talent, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team,” Jurel remarked during the post-match presentation.

In a previous rain-affected encounter against the Mumbai Indians in Guwahati, the Royals managed to score 151 runs in just 11 overs. Sooryavanshi made a notable impact with a 14-ball innings of 39 runs, hitting Bumrah for two sixes in the second over alone. His innings comprised five sixes and a single boundary. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar praised the young player’s performance against one of the top bowlers in the game.