Rajasthan Royals Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another remarkable chapter to his breakthrough IPL 2026 season during the Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans, becoming the first player in tournament history to score more than 500 runs in the powerplay in a single edition.
The 15-year-old’s aggressive start helped him finish the season with 521 powerplay runs at a stunning strike rate of over 233, outperforming the previous record held by David Warner. However, the headline making the achievement tells only part of the story.
While much of the focus remained on Sooryavanshi’s record and his heartbreaking dismissal for 96, a key moment that shaped the innings came from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Rajasthan found themselves under pressure after losing early wickets, forcing Jadeja to walk in at No. 4. Instead of merely stabilising the innings, the experienced left-hander counterattacked, scoring 34 off 19 balls and stitching together a 73-run partnership with Sooryavanshi.
The stand proved quite important . Jadeja absorbed the pressure from the Gujarat Titans’ bowlers and allowed the teenager to settle before launching another assault. According to broadcast commentary, Jadeja required on-field treatment for a recurring tennis elbow problem before eventually retiring hurt at the end of the ninth over.
His departure could easily have disrupted the momentum of Rajasthan. Instead, it marked a turning point in the innings of Sooryavanshi. Having already crossed the fifty, the youngsters tried to shift gears, smashing 46 runs from their next 15 deliveries and putting the Gujarat bowling attack under immense pressure.
The innings also carried a sense of frustration. Just days after falling for 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi once again missed out on a century, dismissed for 96 while attempting another attacking stroke. It was the second consecutive match in which he came within touching distance of a hundred but refused to compromise his aggressive approach. While the landmark century continues to escape him, his fearless batting has already rewritten IPL record books and reinforced his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents of the tournament.
Sources: Firstpost | Times of India
