15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was arguably the standout performer of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the final on May 31.
Opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav featured in all 16 matches and amassed 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. He smashed 72 sixes during the season and grabbed headlines across the cricketing world with his fearless strokeplay. His exceptional performances earned him the Orange Cap, Emerging Player of the Season, and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and he also played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ impressive campaign.
Following the conclusion of the final, the teenage sensation
got an opportunity to meet batting superstar Virat Kohli.
During the interaction, former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Kohli shared some valuable advice with the youngster.
RCB took to X on Wednesday to share a video of Kohli’s conversation with Vaibhav after Bengaluru’s title-winning triumph. In the clip, which has since gone viral on social media, Kohli encouraged the young batter to build on his early success and stay focused on continuous improvement.
Kohli told Vaibhav that his success was the result of hard work and self-belief and advised him not to get distracted by outside opinions. He urged the youngster to remain focused on his batting and continue striving for greater heights.
“Yaha se upar jaana hai. Jo hua hai vo achi mehnat ki wajah se, belief ki wajah se hua hai. Abhi kaun kya bol raha hai, kaise bol raha hai.. (nahi sunna hai). Bat for two bsss… Ek Bihari sab pe bhari, phir khatam game,” Kohli said.
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The best piece of advice the 15-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi could get! And who better than Virat Kohli to help fuel his fire in the right direction.… pic.twitter.com/MUqCRBo0la
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2026
In the 2026 edition of the IPL, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi faced Virat Kohli’s RCB once and produced a sensational innings of 78 runs from just 26 balls. Batting with a remarkable strike rate of 300, the teenage opener took on an experienced bowling attack featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya.
His explosive knock helped the Riyan Parag-led Rajasthan Royals chase down a target of 202 runs in just 18 overs while losing only four wickets.
Vaibhav smashed eight fours and seven sixes during his match-winning innings and following the game, the young batter received Virat Kohli’s autograph on the cap that he continued to wear throughout the season while representing the Men in Pink.
