The spectacular rise of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken an intimidating turn in IPL 2026. Following his latest destructive performance against the Lucknow Super Giants, former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan remarked that the 15-year-old prodigy is starting to create the exact same psychological terror among bowlers that West Indian icon Chris Gayle commanded during his absolute prime.
Chasing a massive target of 221 runs at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the young Rajasthan Royals opening batter constructed a masterpiece of raw power. Sooryavanshi dismantled the opposition bowling unit with a blazing 38-ball 93, an innings that included seven boundaries and 10 massive sixes. His clinical batting display allowed the Royals to easily hunt down the steep target, securing a crucial seven-wicket win.
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Closing In on Chris Gayle’s Historic Landmark
By clearing the ropes 10 times on Tuesday night, Sooryavanshi advanced his season tally to an astonishing 53 sixes. He is now within striking distance of breaking the legendary single-season IPL record of 59 sixes, a benchmark established by Chris Gayle during his memorable 2012 campaign.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Irfan Pathan expressed his immense awe at how smoothly the teenager managed to shift gears after a quiet start. Pathan highlighted that it is incredibly difficult to contain the young southpaw once he finds his rhythm, noting that Sooryavanshi operated at a strike rate below 100 in his first 10 deliveries before completely exploding.
“With 53 sixes, he is actually going after Chris Gayle’s record of 59 sixes, which has stood since 2012. As bowlers, we were always scared of facing Chris Gayle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is creating that same fear, and Gayle’s record is definitely in danger,” Irfan Pathan said.
An Unbelievable T20 Masterclass
The high praise was backed up by former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar. He confessed that normal cricketing terminology fails to capture the immense capability possessed by the teenage sensation, calling his shot-making absolutely extraordinary.
Bangar described the knock as a pure masterclass that provided great entertainment for the fans. He predicted that the young prodigy will easily draw massive crowds to stadium seats wherever he showcases his skills in the future.
For his match-winning contribution, Sooryavanshi collected his third Player of the Match award of the ongoing season. More importantly, his explosive batting ensures that Rajasthan Royals keep their playoff destiny in their own hands as they approach their final league assignment against Mumbai Indians.
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