New Delhi: With his ability to clear boundaries with one ball and turn a match on its head in terms of overs, Vibhu Suryavanshi has emerged as the biggest talking point of IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batting sensation left bowlers searching for answers and won praise from opponents and teammates alike.Suryavanshi’s numbers from the season were nothing short of exceptional. The Rajasthan Royals opener finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30. The left-handed batsman also rewrote the IPL record books by hitting 72 sixes during the season, surpassing West Indies great Chris Gayle’s previous record of 59 maximum sixes.His most memorable performance was in the eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Rajasthan Royals facing a do-or-die clash, Suryavanshi powered his side into Qualifier 2 with one of the most devastating innings in IPL history, scoring 97 off just 29 balls. The youngster was at it again in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans, though Rajasthan suffered a thrilling 6-run defeat. And missing out on a place in the final, Suryavanshi’s fearless stroke play once again grabbed the limelight.The Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder was among those impressed by the youngster’s impressive rise. Krunal Pandyawho faced him during the season and even managed to get him out.Asked if he enjoyed his battles with the Rajasthan Royals, Krunal did not hide his admiration.“Oh, yes. We played a match against RR in Guwahati. In fact, I got his wicket as well,” Krunal told The Times of India.Coronel then praised the youngster, describing him as one of the most exciting talents he had ever seen.“But boy, what talent! At 15! Generational talent. Batting like that at 15. Whether you’re 30, 40 or 25, batting like that is admirable. But 15? And he’s not just chanting. The guy’s got brains.”The RCB star pointed to Suryavanshi’s mature innings in the knockout stages as proof that there is more to his game than power hitting.“Look at how he batted in Qualifier-2 vs GT. He played the situation. I’m very excited to see how he continues his journey in the next ten years,” said Cronell.
