WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026

A Global Icon Backs a Rising Star

The intensity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has transcended the boundaries of cricket, capturing the attention of global entertainment icons. Drew McIntyre, the world-renowned WWE superstar, has officially joined the growing fan club of Rajasthan Royals’ teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The crossover moment occurred on social media, where the wrestling powerhouse posted a video of himself training while donning a Rajasthan Royals jersey, specifically personalized with Sooryavanshi’s name on the back.

The ‘Chosen One’ Connection

In a move that caught the cricketing world by surprise, McIntyre captioned his Instagram video with the two words that define his own storied wrestling career: ‘Chosen One.’ Having used this moniker since his debut in 2009, the WWE star’s endorsement of the 15-year-old batting sensation highlights the rapid rise of Sooryavanshi on the international stage. McIntyre, born Andrew Galloway IV, even tagged the official Rajasthan Royals account in the post, signaling a genuine interest in the franchise’s pursuit of a second IPL title.

The reaction from the Rajasthan Royals camp was immediate and enthusiastic. RR captain Riyan Parag, who is known for his own outspoken personality and gaming interests, was visibly stunned by the shout-out. Parag responded to the post by sharing his own affinity for wrestling culture, stating, ‘Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.’ His reference to the popular WWE 2K gaming series bridged the gap between the cricket pitch and the wrestling ring, adding a layer of camaraderie to the team’s playoff preparations.

The Statistical Phenomenon: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Why is a WWE superstar taking notice of an IPL teenager? The answer lies in the numbers. After a breakout season in 2025, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has evolved into arguably the most destructive batsman in the league during the 2026 campaign. In 14 matches, he has accumulated 583 runs, maintaining a staggering average of 41.64. Most impressively, his strike rate sits at an astronomical 232, a figure that has terrified bowling attacks across the country.

So far this season, the young batter has notched three fifties and a century. Perhaps most indicative of his power-hitting ability is his tally of 53 sixes, leaving him just seven shy of the all-time record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, these numbers suggest that Sooryavanshi is not just a prospect, but a match-winner of the highest order.

Road to the Eliminator

The endorsement from McIntyre comes at a pivotal time for the Rajasthan Royals. The team enters the Eliminator match against Sunrisers Hyderabad with renewed vigor. The path to the playoffs was anything but linear for the Royals; after a dominant start winning their first four matches, the team faced a mid-season slump, losing six of their next eight games. However, a spirited comeback saw them win their final two matches to secure their spot in the post-season entirely on their own merit.

On Wednesday, the stakes could not be higher. The winner of the clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur will advance to Qualifier 2 on May 29 to face the Gujarat Titans. The loser, however, will see their IPL 2026 journey come to an abrupt end. With the final set for May 31 in Ahmedabad, every ball in this upcoming Eliminator carries immense weight.

The Significance of the Match

As the Rajasthan Royals prepare to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad—who finished third on the points table, one spot above the fourth-placed Royals—the morale boost from external supporters like McIntyre could prove crucial. The atmosphere in New Chandigarh is expected to be electric as fans flock to see if ‘The Chosen One’ of the cricket world can propel his team toward the trophy. Whether it is the tactical leadership of Riyan Parag or the raw, aggressive talent of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the Royals appear ready to face the challenge, buoyed by the global attention surrounding their young star.

As the cricketing world turns its eyes to the Eliminator, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has firmly cemented his place in the spotlight, and with the backing of wrestling royalty, he enters the most important phase of his young career with the eyes of the world watching.