Guwahati, April 7: Batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi once again stole the spotlight and proved why he's rated so highly in the world cricket as the Rajasthan Royals' opener played a fearless 39 off 14 balls against Mumbai Indians in a rain-curtailed IPL 2026 encounter reduced to 11 overs per side in Guwahati on Tuesday (April 7).
With yet another fearless display, the 15-year-old prodigy took on Jasprit Bumrah without hesitation - pulling off a feat that only Virat Kohli had previously achieved in IPL powerplay history.
Kohli remains the only batter to have hit Bumrah for three sixes inside the powerplay in the IPL, but Suryavanshi came remarkably close to creating his own slice of history. Facing five deliveries from the India pace spearhead,
the young left-hander hammered two sixes, showcasing audacity well beyond his years.
RR's Explosive Start in Shortened Game
The match, reduced to 11 overs per side due to rain and a wet outfield, saw a shortened powerplay of just 3.2 overs. Rajasthan Royals made full use of the window, racing to 59 without loss in 20 balls, putting Mumbai Indians under immediate pressure.
At the heart of that explosive start was Suryavanshi, whose fearless strokeplay set the tone. Taking on Bumrah in the powerplay is a challenge even for seasoned batters, but the teenager showed no hesitation, backing his instincts against one of the world's best.
A Knock to Remember
Suryavanshi's innings came to an end in the fifth over, but not before leaving a lasting impact. He scored 39 off just 14 balls, striking at a phenomenal 278.57, with one four and five sixes.
His dismissal came off Shardul Thakur, caught at long-off by Tilak Varma on the final ball of the over. Even in his final over at the crease, Suryavanshi continued his aggressive approach, smashing two sixes and a four before falling.
A Star in the Making
While comparisons with Virat Kohli's record against Bumrah underline the rarity of the feat, Suryavanshi's innings was less about records and more about intent and fearlessness.
At just 15, taking on Bumrah-arguably the most lethal T20 bowler in the world-and coming out on top in that brief duel speaks volumes about his temperament and talent.
In a match shortened by rain, it was a short but explosive innings that ensured Vaibhav Suryavanshi's name will be remembered long after the result fades.
