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“Isn’t just playing”: Fans go berserk after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s insane 97 off – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Explosive 97 Off 29 Balls Stuns Fans in IPL 2026 Eliminator

Devansh Cox · · 3 min read
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A New Star Ascends at the PCA Stadium

The cricket world witnessed a moment of pure spectacle at the New PCA Stadium during the IPL 2026 Eliminator match between the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Amidst the high-pressure atmosphere of a knockout game, 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced an innings that will be remembered for years to come. In a blistering display of power-hitting, the teenager dismantled the SRH bowling lineup, scoring a staggering 97 runs off just 29 deliveries.

Rewriting the Record Books

Sooryavanshi’s performance was not merely a display of youthful exuberance; it was a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. During his stay at the crease, he hammered 12 sixes, effectively rewriting the record books. In doing so, he surpassed the legendary Chris Gayle for the most sixes hit in a single IPL season. Sooryavanshi has now accumulated 65 sixes, comfortably eclipsing Gayle’s previous high of 59. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering he is only in his second season of professional IPL cricket.

The Momentum of a Prodigy

The aggression was evident from the very first ball. Sooryavanshi reached his half-century in just 16 balls, a milestone achieved entirely within the powerplay. The SRH pacers, who entered the contest with high hopes, found themselves completely helpless against his clinical stroke play. He came perilously close to breaking Chris Gayle’s iconic record for the fastest IPL century, which stands at 30 balls. Although he was dismissed for 97, narrowly missing the triple-figure mark, the impact of his knock was absolute.

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A Visionary Investment

The decision by the Rajasthan Royals to scout and nurture the youngster has already begun to pay dividends. With the guidance of cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, who identified Sooryavanshi as a potential generational talent early on, the teenager has risen through the ranks with incredible speed. Many analysts and fans alike are already suggesting that the franchise should secure the young phenomenon with a long-term contract to ensure his continued development and loyalty.

Fan Reactions and the Global Buzz

Social media erupted following the innings, with fans and pundits comparing the teenager’s impact to the early days of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Phrases such as “pure magic” and “the next superstar of world cricket” dominated the discourse. The sheer audacity of scoring 97 in an Eliminator at age 15 left many observers speechless, with some humorously suggesting he deserves a lifetime contract.

Why This Innings Matters

  • Confidence under pressure: Performing at such a level in a knockout Eliminator is a testament to his temperament.
  • Technical Mastery: His ability to clear the ropes consistently against elite international pacers highlights his advanced technical skill set.
  • Future Potential: At just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi’s ceiling is seemingly limitless, making him the most exciting prospect in world cricket today.

As the dust settles on the match, the cricketing fraternity is left wondering what else this young prodigy has in store. His performance has not only kept Rajasthan Royals’ campaign alive but has also signaled a changing of the guard in the T20 format. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just playing the game; he is redefining what is possible for a youngster on the biggest stage of them all.

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Devansh Cox

Devansh Cox is the chief cricket writer for Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, where he covers the national team, the Pakistan Super League, and the socio-political undercurrents of the sport. With a family heritage tracing back to the British Raj and strong ties to the UK, Cox brings a unique cross-cultural lens to his reporting, often examining the experiences of South Asian cricketers in English county circuits. A Karachi native, he is known for his technical analysis of fast bowling and his deep access to team insiders. His work has been cited by the ICC and the BBC, and he is a regular guest on Test Match Special’s Pakistan coverage.