Teen Prodigy Sooryavanshi Powers Rajasthan to Victory Over RCB

Guwahati — Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a rapid 78 off 26 balls to lead Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League on Friday, extending his remarkable run of form.

Chasing a target of 202, the 15-year-old reached a half-century in just 15 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes as Rajasthan overhauled the total with two overs to spare. His aggressive innings set the foundation for a comfortable chase despite a brief middle-order wobble.

Sooryavanshi, who scored a 35-ball century in his debut season last year, has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers this season. He has amassed 200 runs in four innings at a strike rate exceeding 260, topping the run charts early in the campaign.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel played a supporting role with an unbeaten 81 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings after Rajasthan slipped from 129-1 to 134-4. The pair’s 108-run partnership proved decisive in the chase.

Sooryavanshi earlier dominated top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and continued his attacking approach against Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, striking multiple boundaries early in his innings.

Spinner Krunal Pandya briefly slowed Rajasthan’s momentum by removing Sooryavanshi and triggering a collapse, but Jurel ensured there were no further setbacks.

The win keeps Rajasthan Royals unbeaten at the top of the standings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain in third place.