In a season defined by explosive batting and record-breaking performances, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has etched his name into IPL history books.
The Rajasthan Royals sensation has become the youngest player ever to win the prestigious Orange Cap, amassing a staggering 776 runs in just 16 matches at a blistering strike rate of 237.30.
Born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur, Bihar, Sooryavanshi surpassed previous benchmarks set by players like Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The left-handed opener scored one century (off just 36 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad) and five half-centuries, with multiple explosive knocks coming in under 16 balls.
The teenager's journey has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his Ranji Trophy debut at 12, became
the youngest IPL contract signee at 13 (bought by RR for ₹1.1 crore), and the youngest debutant and centurion in men's T20 cricket at 14 during IPL 2025.
Currently in Ahmedabad to collect his Orange Cap trophy ahead of the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Sooryavanshi reflected on the milestone with characteristic humility. His powerplay dominance, over 500 runs in the first six overs alone, redefined opening strategies and terrorised bowlers across all franchises.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to win Sixes award
His dominance extended beyond runs as he smashed a record 72 sixes, clinching the Most Sixes award and breaking Chris Gayle's long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. The youngster will thus also clinch the award for hitting most sixes in the season.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to win Striker Award
Vaibhav will also win the Season's Super Striker award as he has ended up with the best strike rate this season.
