Sooryavanshi Gets Emotional as RR Exit IPL in Q2 Despite His 96
By every measure, Sooryavanshi concludes the season with a generational campaign, regardless of whether Sai Sudharsan or Shubman Gill surpass his run tally
Mullanpur: Rajasthan Royals (RR) teen prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was overcome with emotion after his team's exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Qualifier 2. Despite producing one of the most remarkable T20 batting displays of the tournament at just 15 years of age, the young star could not prevent RR from falling short.
Giving Sooryavanshi an A+ for his efforts and for handling the immense expectations placed on him in an inconsistent batting lineup would still be an understatement. However, statistics, records, and personal milestones meant little to the youngster as he buried his face in his Orange Cap while Gujarat Titans (GT) players celebrated their victory and progression to the IPL final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
His brilliantly crafted 96 off 47 balls—considered restrained by his explosive standards—was ultimately overshadowed by a century from Shubman Gill during GT’s successful chase of 215 runs.
Even as RR captain Riyan Parag addressed the post-match presentation, Sooryavanshi sat in the dugout struggling to contain his emotions. A member of the support staff was seen consoling the distraught teenager.
By every measure, Sooryavanshi concludes the season with a generational campaign, regardless of whether Sai Sudharsan or Shubman Gill surpass his run tally. Across 16 innings, he amassed 776 runs at an average of 48.50 and an astonishing strike rate of 237.50. His season included one century, five half-centuries, and a staggering 72 sixes, combining consistency and power-hitting in a manner rarely seen in world cricket.
In the previous match—the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)—he smashed a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls. His 12 sixes in that innings took his season tally beyond the legendary Chris Gayle’s record of 59 sixes in IPL 2012. While beginning his pursuit of several of Gayle’s long-standing records, Sooryavanshi also surpassed Gayle’s run tally for a single IPL season and finished his playoff campaign with 19 sixes.
The young sensation also reached 1,000 IPL runs, becoming the fastest player to the milestone in terms of balls faced. He achieved the feat in only 440 balls, eclipsing West Indies great Andre Russell. In terms of innings, he became the second-fastest to reach the landmark, doing so in just 23 innings, behind only Shaun Marsh, who achieved it in 21.
With the victory, Gujarat Titans booked a place in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals posted 214/6 in 20 overs, powered by Sooryavanshi’s 96 off 47 balls, which included eight fours and seven sixes. Donovan Ferreira provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 38 off just 11 deliveries, striking two fours and four sixes.
Chasing 215, GT captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent 104 off 53 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes. His 167-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who scored 58 off 32 balls with eight fours and a six, laid the foundation for a dramatic three-wicket victory.
The chase of 215 is now the highest successful run chase in IPL playoff history, surpassing the previous record of 204 chased by Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Mumbai Indians (MI) in last year's Qualifier 2. It also stands as Gujarat Titans' highest-ever IPL run chase, eclipsing their successful pursuit of 204 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2025.
