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Internet Bows Down To Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After 29-Ball 97 Madness In IPL Elimi – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 15-Year-Old Prodigy Stuns IPL with 29-Ball 97

Rohan Kapoor · · 3 min read
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A Star is Born in Mullanpur

In the high-stakes environment of an IPL eliminator match, players are often measured by their composure and ability to handle pressure. On May 27, at Mullanpur, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t just handle the pressure—he redefined it. The Rajasthan Royals batting sensation delivered a performance of such ferocity that it has become an instant talking point in the cricketing world, turning a crucial playoff fixture into a personal showcase of aggressive batting.

The 29-Ball Blitzkrieg

Sooryavanshi’s knock was nothing short of a monstrosity. Facing a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling attack, the teenager launched a counter-offensive that left the opposition searching for answers. Over the course of just 29 deliveries, he amassed a staggering 97 runs. His innings was defined by 12 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, resulting in a mind-boggling strike rate of 334.48.

The atmosphere in Mullanpur was electric as Sooryavanshi approached what would have been a historic century. He came agonizingly close to eclipsing Chris Gayle’s legendary 30-ball hundred record in the IPL. It was only when Praful Hinge dismissed him with one ball remaining that his charge was halted, leaving the youngster just three runs short of a triple-figure milestone. Despite the dismissal, the reaction from the stadium and the Rajasthan Royals dugout was unanimous: a standing ovation for a knock that will be remembered for years to come.

Dominating the Elite

The SRH bowling attack, featuring established names like Pat Cummins, Sakib Husain, and Eshan Malinga, bore the brunt of Sooryavanshi’s willow. Within the first seven overs, Rajasthan Royals surged to 96 runs, a momentum shift that completely shifted the dynamics of the game. While his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal played his part, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking ability to clear the ropes at will.

Records Tumbled and Milestones Reached

While the century record stayed with Gayle, Sooryavanshi etched his name into the history books in other significant ways:

  • Six-Hitting Mastery: He matched the record for the most instances of a batter hitting 10-plus sixes in a single IPL innings, an elite club that includes the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Finn Allen.
  • Powerplay Dominance: Sooryavanshi set a new benchmark for runs in the powerplay during an IPL season, accumulating 490 runs and surpassing David Warner’s 2016 record of 467 runs.

A Season of Brilliance

This explosive display was no fluke; it was the culmination of a breakout season for the 15-year-old. Throughout the 2026 IPL, Sooryavanshi has been a force of nature, scoring 680 runs across 15 appearances at an impressive average of 45.33. His strike rate of 242.86 stands as the highest of any batter in the tournament this year.

His tally for the season includes four half-centuries and one century. Interestingly, his previous highest score also came against Hyderabad, where he hammered a 37-ball 103. While that previous effort ended in a defeat, his performance in this eliminator proved that he has developed the maturity to match his raw talent.

The Road Ahead

As the cricket fraternity continues to dissect his performance, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has arrived on the biggest stage. His ability to perform under the immense pressure of a knockout game marks him as a special talent. For Rajasthan Royals, the momentum gained from his innings serves as a vital catalyst as they look to advance deeper into the tournament and claim the coveted IPL trophy.