28 May,2026 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Pic: PTI)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was upbeat despite missing his century by just three runs in the IPL eliminator. The 15-year-old smashed a 29-ball 97, which included five fours and 12 sixes. He also went past Chris Gayle for the most sixes in an IPL season with 65 sixes, as records tumbled on a historic evening in Chandigarh.
During the post-match presentation, Sooryavanshi hoped that his team can carry the positive momentum into the next match when they face Gujarat Titans for a place in the final of IPL 2026.
The teenager's batting philosophy revolves around not thinking too much, but rather focusing on how he can face the opposition bowlers on a certain wicket and on grounds with different dimensions.
"I do think a little bit, but not too much. I just try to play the game I'm in and not overthink. But if I feel there's something I need to work on, then I look at that. I just think about who the bowlers are in the opposition team, how I can face them on this wicket, how big the boundaries are, just these kinds of things. I just try to stay positive with my intent. When I do that, the bowlers stay under pressure. So I try to continue that and dominate the game," Sooryavanshi said.
After missing out on his century by just 3 runs, Sooryavanshi said that his focus is solely on winning the tournament with Rajasthan Royals and not on personal records.
"My only focus was on contributing as much as I could because centuries will keep happening, but right now, the focus is on how to win the trophy. If I feel I am having trouble somewhere, I work on that - especially after getting out to a short ball. I focus on what my plan is, and I just try to play normal cricket," he added.
With this loss, SRH were eliminated from the tournament, while Rajasthan Royals will battle Gujarat Titans in Qualifier Two on Friday for a spot in the final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
(With ANI Inputs)
