Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's remarkable IPL 2026 campaign continues to attract praise from across the cricketing world, with former India batter Sanjay Bangar describing the Rajasthan Royals teenager as a generational talent who will draw crowds wherever he plays.
The 15-year-old produced another match-winning display on Tuesday, smashing 93 off just 38 balls to help Rajasthan Royals chase down Lucknow Super Giants' total and keep their playoff hopes alive. His latest knock further strengthened his position as the tournament's leading run-scorer and one of the breakout stars of the season.
Speaking on JioHotstar's Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live, Sanjay Bangar struggled to find words to adequately describe the youngster's talent.
"Can't really
explain it; words are not sufficient. They can't do justice to the kind of ability this young boy, this young prodigy, possesses. Some of those shots were extraordinary, to say the least. To hit over the cover boundary on a consistent basis, against pace, against spin, and whenever the ball was dug in short, was exceptional.
"And mind you, there were so many bowlers in this Lucknow Super Giants line-up bowling in excess of 145 kph, but that didn't really bother this kid. He put on a masterclass, a sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi innings indeed. Terrific to watch, great entertainment. And he is definitely going to draw crowds wherever he goes and wherever he plays. "
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi closing in on Chris Gayle's six-hitting record
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded the youngster's innings, highlighting the maturity he displayed despite the explosive nature of his knock.
Sooryavanshi started cautiously before accelerating dramatically, eventually finishing with a strike rate above 240 and taking his six tally for the season to 53.
Pathan believes the Royals opener now has a genuine chance of breaking Chris Gayle's long-standing IPL record of 59 sixes in a season.
"This was unbelievable. The maturity he showed was the highlight for me. We always say, whenever we watch Vaibhav Suryavanshi, that he's a very good leg-side player. The way he played on the off-side in this game was outstanding. He has great control over his back-lift. He was playing over covers and even played an upper-cut over third man.
"It is very difficult to stop him. In his first 10 balls, he was batting at a strike rate of less than 100, and by the end of the innings, he had scored 93 runs off just 38 balls. With 53 sixes, he is actually going after Chris Gayle's record of 59 sixes, which has stood since 2012. As bowlers, we were always scared of facing Chris Gayle. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is creating that same fear, and Gayle's record is definitely in danger. "
Rajasthan Royals still control their playoff destiny
The victory over Lucknow ensured Rajasthan remained firmly in contention for the final IPL 2026 playoff spot. With one league-stage match remaining against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the Royals know a victory will secure qualification.
Pathan acknowledged Rajasthan's inconsistency during the middle phase of the season but believes they remain in a strong position heading into their final fixture.
"I still think they should have played much better cricket, especially during the middle phase of the tournament, which they didn't. But right now, after this win, they still have everything in their own hands. The next game at the Wankhede is going to be a tough one, especially from a bowling perspective. How they come up with their bowling plans will be very important.
"But RR are at least keeping themselves in contention, especially with the kind of batting line-up they have. What's happening with Ravindra Jadeja? His experience will be invaluable, and at the same time, Riyan Parag's batting will be key as well. I'll be keeping an eye on these two factors because if both of them come back in, RR will be in a much better position to win that game too. "
With Sooryavanshi continuing to dominate bowling attacks and Rajasthan's playoff fate still in their own hands, all eyes will now be on the Royals' final league-stage clash against Mumbai Indians, where another big knock from the teenage sensation could seal a place in the knockout stage.
