Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets straight to the point after India’s wonder kid starts IPL 2026 with 15-ball fifty amid chatter

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi noted that while he does keep defence in mind, the focus was firmly on owning the powerplay and shutting the game early.

Updated on: Mar 31, 2026, 07:44:45 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already turning into a box-office draw, with the 15-year-old once again showing his fearless approach in Rajasthan Royals’ opening game of IPL 2026. Fresh off his birthday, Sooryavanshi played with remarkable freedom in a modest 128-run chase, hammering 52 off just 17 balls to make the target look trivial and seal the two points in style. There was an early slice of luck, he was dropped off the very first ball he faced, a chance that even ran away for four, but it did little to shake his intent. If anything, it set the tone. The youngster responded immediately by launching the next delivery over the ropes, underlining both his confidence and clarity. Unfazed by the stage or situation, Sooryavanshi’s knock stood out for its audacity and clean hitting.

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 52 off just 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings. (PTI)

He took the game away from five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the powerplay, smashing four fours and five sixes to light up the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

After setting the tone early with an aggressive approach, Sooryavanshi shed light on the simple mindset that powered his innings, highlighting how he adapted once the pitch settled.

"The plan today was simply to execute well in the powerplay - initially, the wicket felt a bit sticky, but as the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat nicely," Sooryavanshi told broadcasters after the match.

Continuing on his aggressive outing, the 15-year-old noted that while he does keep defence in mind, the focus was firmly on owning the powerplay and shutting the game early.

"I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial - if the bowling team does well there, the game can tilt their way, but our powerplay went really well," he added.

Also Read - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi forces ex-India cricketer to change tunes after passing ‘getting hyped way too early’ verdict

“Coaches told me to stick to natural game”: Sooryavanshi

He further brushed aside the outside noise when asked if coaches Kumar Sangakkara and Vikram Rathore had advised him to prepare better for his second season, with bowlers expected to target him more. He had a cheeky response to it that, apart from them, the whole world seemed to be talking about it.

"The coaches didn’t specifically say that bowlers would attack me - everyone else was already saying that (unko chordke baaki puri duniya yeh bol hi rahi thi) - but they just told me that they back me and that I should stick to my natural game and play according to the situation," Sooryavanshi added.

The RR batting sensation also highlighted the role of his opening partner in keeping things smooth at the top, crediting the constant communication that helped him play with freedom.

"My opening partner (Jaiswal) keeps communicating with me after every ball - he tells me when to take singles, keeps giving me the strike, and encourages me to keep playing my shots if the ball is coming nicely onto the bat," he concluded.

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

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.