Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picked over Virat Kohli in ex-CSK star’s IPL 2026 best XII

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive form at the top of the order earned him a spot in the ex- CSK's star lineup, highlighting the impact he has made.

Updated on: May 26, 2026, 10:03:24 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise in this IPL season has been nothing short of remarkable, with the young left-hander rapidly establishing himself as one of the most talked-about players in the tournament. Since his debut last year, he has carried a growing reputation, but this season has taken his stature to a new level as he has consistently delivered match-defining performances at the top of the order.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picked over Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in Badrinath's playing XII. (AFP)

Sooryavanshi has handled the pressure with maturity and confidence, becoming a key pillar of the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup. In 14 matches, he has piled up 583 runs at an impressive average of 41.64 and a blistering strike rate of 232.27. His fearless approach has stood out throughout the campaign, highlighted by a highest score of 103, along with one century and three half-centuries, underlining his growing influence in the league.

Former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath recently picked his best XII from the IPL 2026 league stage, and one of the biggest talking points was his decision to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of seasoned names like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, both of whom have also crossed the 500-run mark this season. The young Rajasthan Royals batter’s explosive form at the top of the order earned him a spot in Badrinath’s lineup, highlighting the impact he has made in a short span.

For the opening combination, Badrinath paired Sooryavanshi with Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill, who has been in excellent touch and led from the front with 616 runs, guiding his side to a second-place finish in the league stage. Gill’s opening partner and Orange Cap leader Sai Sudharsan was slotted in at No. 3, forming a dominant top order in the XI.

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The middle order featured Heinrich Klaasen and RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, both of whom have impressed with their ability to take on spin in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya earned a place for his all-round value and clever variations, while Sunil Narine was included as the specialist spinner, completing a balanced and aggressive lineup.

In the pace department, Badrinath went with a four-man attack featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, the current Purple Cap leaders this season. The more eye-catching selections, however, were the inclusion of young quicks Prince Yadav and Kartik Tyagi. Both have made headlines this season with their raw pace and fearless approach, turning heads despite their respective teams already being out of the playoff race. Their performances have stood out in otherwise inconsistent campaigns, earning them recognition alongside some of the biggest names in the tournament.

Subramaniam Badrinath IPL 2026 XII

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Heinrich Klaasen, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada, Prince Yadav/Kartik Tyagi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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