Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to dominate IPL 2026 Eliminator by ex-BCCI selector – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Backed by Kris Srikkanth to Shine in IPL 2026 Eliminator

The High-Stakes Eliminator: RR vs. SRH

The stage is set at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for a blockbuster IPL 2026 Eliminator. Rajasthan Royals (RR), who secured the fourth spot on the points table, are set to lock horns with the third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With a place in Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans on the line, the pressure is immense, and every tactical move counts.

Srikkanth’s Tactical Assessment

Former India captain and seasoned cricket analyst Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the contest, offering a fascinating 55-45 prediction in favor of the Rajasthan Royals. While many analysts might favor the consistency shown by the SRH lineup, Srikkanth believes the sheer unpredictability of the Royals, paired with the hunger of their young star, could be the deciding factor.

“I believe it’s 55-45 to RR,” Srikkanth stated on his YouTube channel. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t score in the last match, and he has that fire. Usually, if he fails in one game, he performs in the next. If he and Jaiswal set the tone, that’ll be enough for RR, with Jurel batting very well. If Archer bowls two deadly deliveries and removes Head and Abhishek, he can finish you off in the powerplay itself.”

The Sooryavanshi Factor

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL 2026 season by storm. As the highest run-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals, his impact on the team’s fortunes has been undeniable. With 583 runs under his belt at an impressive average of 41.64, it is his strike rate of 232 that has truly left the cricketing world spellbound.

His tally of 53 sixes is not just a record for him personally but marks the highest number of sixes hit by an Indian batter in a single IPL season. His ability to clear the ropes with ease and maintain such high intensity has led to widespread calls for his inclusion in the national squad. Despite a rare failure against the Mumbai Indians in the final league match, expectations remain sky-high for the teenager to bounce back in the Eliminator.

The Opposition: Assessing the Sunrisers

While Srikkanth backs RR, he remains acutely aware of the threat posed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He describes them as a “gun side” on paper, particularly highlighting the strength of their middle order. “SRH are a gun side and the far superior side. They have as dangerous a batting side as RCB… SRH’s real plus is Kishan and Klaasen. Their Nos. 3 and 4 are too strong and have been the best 3 and 4 in the competition,” he added.

The Road to the Final

The journey for the Rajasthan Royals has been anything but smooth. After a blistering start—winning their first four games—the team hit a turbulent patch, losing 6 of their next 8 encounters. Their resilience was put to the test, and they only managed to secure their playoff berth in the final days of the league stage.

The winner of this clash will move on to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29. The ultimate prize awaits at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru already wait in the final. For RR and Sooryavanshi, the path is clear, but the challenge against the formidable SRH remains a formidable hurdle to clear. Cricket fans across the globe will be watching closely to see if the teenage prodigy can once again rise to the occasion and lead his team closer to the championship trophy.