Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 2.0: RR’s teenage star evolves from cameo king to Orange Cap challenger

Vaibhav Sooryanvanshi has gone a notch higher this season, already managing 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00, and a strike rate of 236.53.

Updated on: Apr 20, 2026, 08:31:31 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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If you look at the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race standings right now at the time of writing (April 19, 11:55 PM), you will see some experienced names in the list, from the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. But then, among them in the top five is a 15-year-old who has taken the cricketing world by storm. Everyone knows who the 15-year-old is, and his name has been on the lips of every cricket fan in this world since last year.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays a shot during the KKR vs RR match in IPL 2026. (PTI)

Although Rajasthan Royals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was his team's highest run-scorer, smacking 46 runs off 28 balls, including six fours and two sixes, striking at 164.29. Only KKR's Rinku Singh (53*) scored more than the teenager, but even his strike rate (155.88 was lesser.

Also Read: RR pay tribute to Riyan Parag’s journey from Ajinkya Rahane’s protege to captain in emotional IPL 2026 moment

A notch higher this season

Sooryanvanshi has gone a notch higher this season, already managing 246 runs in six matches with a high score of 78, at an average of 41.00, and a strike rate of 236.53. He has registered two half-centuries and is fourth in the Orange Cap race. Only Klaasen (283), Gill (251) and Kohli (247) are ahead of him. Meanwhile, he is ahead of fifth-placed Rajat Patidar (230). What makes it even more iconic is that Sooryavanshi probably idolises Kohli, just like every other young Indian cricketer, and he is only one run behind the veteran. Among these names, he also has a higher strike rate.

Last season, Sooryavanshi played in only seven games and scored 252 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 206.55. This year, in six games, he has already reached 246, and at his current pace, he is expected to surpass his last season's score in RR's next game.

In the leaderboard for most sixes hit in IPL 2026, he is second (20), only behind Patidar (22). He is ahead of the likes of Abhishek Sharma (17), who is fourth in the list. Even a big-hitter like Ishan Kishan is ninth with 12 maximums. Meanwhile, Klaasen is 18th with 10 sixes. When it comes to fours, he has hit them 24 times and is third in the list in IPL 2026. Only Kohli (28) and Gill (24) are ahead of him.

Evolves from cameo king to full-season contributor

Last season, he became the youngest IPL debutant and also the youngest centurion in the competition's history. IPL 2025 was about impact bursts when it came to Sooryavanshi. But this year, he has become a full-season contributor after the departure of Sanju Samson.

He is not just an impact player; he is now a vital cog in the playing XI, influencing matches across phases. He has shown his calibre against elite bowlers, taking on the likes of Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood.

This year, Kumar Sangakkara and Riyan Parag are using him as their powerplay enforcer and tempo-setter alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The pair have clicked together and have a force to reckon with.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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