Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fireworks hand them 8-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings
Guwahati: Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 15-ball half-century to power Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 opener here on Monday.
Chasing a modest 128, Royals made light work of the target, racing home in just 12.1 overs after a disciplined bowling performance had earlier bundled out CSK for 127.
The 15-year-old Sooryavanshi stole the show with a blistering 52 off 17 balls, laced with audacious strokeplay. He reached his fifty in just 15 deliveries — the third fastest in IPL history — putting the contest beyond CSK inside the powerplay itself.
Taking full advantage of an early reprieve when he was dropped on zero, Sooryavanshi unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including an 18-run over that broke the back of the chase. His fearless hitting allowed opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal to play a supporting role as Royals surged ahead at a rapid pace.
Sooryavanshi eventually fell after the powerplay, but by then the result was a mere formality. Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) completed the chase with ease.
Earlier, Royals’ bowlers made excellent use of the conditions after being put in to bat on a pitch that had been under covers. Ravindra Jadeja struck twice on his return to the Royals, while Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger provided early breakthroughs.
CSK never recovered from the early blows, slipping to 57 for six despite a fighting 43 from Jamie Overton.
