Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batting prodigy, continues to dominate headlines after a record-breaking IPL 2026 Eliminator performance in which he smashed 97 runs off just 29 balls, drawing widespread praise from across the cricketing world.

The Rajasthan Royals batter produced yet another explosive innings on Wednesday, underlining a breakout season that has already seen him set new benchmarks for six-hitting in the tournament. Sooryavanshi’s campaign has been defined by unprecedented power-hitting, including a record 65 sixes in the season, surpassing the previous mark of 59 set by West Indies great Chris Gayle during the 2012 edition.

Following his latest innings, former West Indies all-rounder and Kolkata Knight Riders star Andre Russell publicly lauded the teenager with a message that quickly went viral. Russell praised Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach, noting that many players twice his age struggle to replicate such dominance at the highest level, while urging him to remain unaffected by criticism regarding his age.

Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Scores 97 As Rajasthan Royals Beat Sunrisers Hyderabad In IPL Eliminator

Russell’s post, shared on social media, read: “Congratulations youngster, haters will say you’re not 15 years old, who cares. 30-year-old players out here trying their best to do what you’re doing. Keep going, I’m a fan. See ball, hit ball!” The endorsement from one of the IPL’s most destructive hitters added further weight to Sooryavanshi’s rising reputation.

In the Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi’s blistering knock laid the foundation for Rajasthan Royals’ imposing total of 243/8. Although he was eventually dismissed after his 97-run blitz, his innings ensured RR had already surged to 125 runs inside the first eight overs, effectively setting up the match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, in response, were bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, handing Rajasthan Royals a comprehensive 47-run victory and a place in Qualifier 2. The Royals will now face Gujarat Titans for a place in the IPL 2026 final, a side that previously felt Sooryavanshi’s impact when he struck a rapid century against them in the 2025 season.

Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Hits 8 Sixes To Break Chris Gayle’s Record In IPL 2026 Eliminator