IPL 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi stars for Royals in Qualifier 2

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi once again excelled in the Indian Premier League with a brilliant 96 off 47 balls in the second qualifier on Friday.

On Wednesday, the 15-year-old took Rajasthan Royals to this stage with a 29-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

This time, with a place in Sunday’s final at stake, Suryavanshi once again held his team back with a more measured knock that was equally eye-catching.

Going into bat, Royals trailed 9-2 against Gujarat’s brilliant opening bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.

Suryavanshi struggled to time the ball, playing and missing many times, but he dug in and hit the first of seven sixes on his 14th delivery – a stunning straight six off Rabadar.

The Titans eventually resorted to short-pitch bowling and Rabada hit Suryavanshi on the helmet when he was on 56 off 32 balls.

From there, a switch seemed to be flicked and the left-hander scored 39 off his next 14 balls before being dismissed by a high catch at third off a mistimed slap.

When he fell, Royals reached 176-6 with 16 balls to spare. They eventually posted 214-6, with Donovan Ferrera scoring 38 off 11 balls.

But it was Suryavansi’s ability to stand up against some hostile fast bowling that caught the eye, with former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop saying some teams already had “plan Z down” against him.

Suryavanshi runs the net against teammate and England fast bowler Jofra Archer during a practice session.

“He (Suryavanshi) spoke about his struggles in the nets with Jofra Archer,” said former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop.

“They were both dizzy, full steam ahead. I know a lot of batsmen who don’t like to face fast bowling in the nets during practice but he didn’t back down. Archer goes to him and he goes to Archer.”

More to follow.