Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as a record-breaking force at just 15, with the IPL witnessing a batting surge that is placing long-standing milestones under serious threat. The teenage sensation produced yet another unforgettable display with his 97-run blitz against Sunrisers Hyderabad, an innings that underlined his rare ability to dominate at the highest level despite his young age. It also laid the foundation of RR reaching the Qualifier 2.
During the knock, Sooryavanshi smashed 12 sixes, overtaking a record that had stood untouched for over a decade. He went past the season tally set by Chris Gayle, who had struck 59 sixes in the 2012 edition, with the youngster already surging to 65 and counting. His power-hitting and clean striking have made him one of the most feared batters in the competition this year.
He also came within touching distance of another iconic milestone - the fastest IPL century. That record still belongs to Gayle, who reached his hundred in 30 balls, while Sooryavanshi fell agonisingly short on 97 off just 29 deliveries. The dismissal sparked widespread reaction across the cricketing world, with many believing he was on course to rewrite yet another piece of IPL history before being denied at the final hurdle.
Gayle himself put out a post for Sooryavanshi, celebrating what he has achieved on Thursday night with his breathtaking knock that took RR to the playoffs.
{{/usCountry}}Gayle himself put out a post for Sooryavanshi, celebrating what he has achieved on Thursday night with his breathtaking knock that took RR to the playoffs.
{{/usCountry}}“What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! New Six machine," Gayle wrote on X.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - Universe Baby Boss
Sooryavanshi made his IPL debut last season and immediately grabbed attention with a stunning 35-ball century that announced his arrival on the big stage. But this year, the 15-year-old has elevated his game to an entirely different level. What has stood out most is not just the explosive strokeplay, but the consistency with which he has dominated bowling attacks throughout the tournament.
Sooryavanshi currently leads the Orange Cap race with 680 runs from 15 matches. He has averaged an impressive 45.33 while maintaining a staggering strike rate of 242.85, numbers rarely seen even from the most destructive T20 batters. His fearless approach and ability to clear the ropes at will have drawn inevitable comparisons with Chris Gayle, famously known as the “Universe Boss” for redefining power-hitting in the format.
Sooryavanshi’s dominance has earned him the nickname “Universe Baby Boss” among fans and experts alike, clearly positioning him as Gayle's successor in the format. Rajasthan Royals are heavily relying on their teenage sensation in the race for a second IPL title, and his form could prove decisive when they face the dangerous Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.