New Delhi: Tears, emotions and heartbreak were all evident in Vibhu Suryavanshi’s social media post after the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals failed to make it to the finals of IPL 2026, despite a valiant effort. Suryavanshi’s knock of 96 in Qualifier 2 ultimately went in vain as Rajasthan Royals suffered a seven-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans and crashed out of the tournament.An injured and deflated Surya Vanshi, who was seen wiping away tears in the dugout after the loss, took to social media to apologize to Rajasthan Royals fans for not making it to the final. “Still can’t believe how quickly emotions can change in 20 overs. Tonight is painful. It’s deep pain. There’s sadness, disappointment, frustration and more that we have to sit with. Credit where it’s due, Shabman Gul And the Gujarat Titans were brilliant tonight,” the 15-year-old wrote on his Instagram Stories.To everyone who believed in this young team, stood by us, defended us, and cheered us on all 16 games this season, thank you. We are grateful beyond words. But we are also sorry. Sorry we couldn’t give you the night you deserved. Sorry we let you down when it mattered most.”Suryavanshi added, “It will stay with us. And we will carry it until we are back and better next season.”He fell short of a century for the second consecutive match but once again showed his class with a 47-ball 96, an innings studded with eight fours and seven sixes in New Chandigarh.His knock propelled Rajasthan Royals, who last won the IPL trophy in 2008, to 214/6 in 20 overs.In reply, Gujarat Titans chased down the target in 18.4 overs, thanks to a century from skipper Shubman Gill, to book a place in the final.
Suryavanshi scored 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 237.31, enjoying a brilliant first full IPL season.After picking apart the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins during the two-month competition, Suryavanshi has only strengthened the belief that he is a rare talent capable of serving Indian cricket for a long time.After receiving endorsements from several former cricketers including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara also hinted that the young left-hander is ready for the top level.Sangakkara said after Rajasthan Royals’ exit that Suryavanshi’s performance against world-class bowlers in the IPL is proof that he is more than ready to represent India.“You never know when someone is ready until they play. And with everything Vibhu has done against the best bowlers in the world, I think he is more than ready to take on any challenge you throw at him. And I am sure he will make that call very soon,” the Sri Lankan said.“He has batted with a lot of maturity, he has handled that opening partnership very well for us this season,” he added.
