Mumbai: As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking Indian Premier League (IPL) season continues to dominate headlines, a light-hearted yet intriguing claim from Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting coach Vikram Rathour has added a fresh twist to the teenager’s growing legend. Rathour, who has shared dressing rooms with stalwarts like Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, jokingly stated that he is perhaps the only person in the franchise who can dismiss the young sensation — and that too “quite often”.

The remark came during a conversation with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar after Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL Eliminator.

Record-breaking knock stuns opposition

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again showcased his extraordinary batting prowess in the high-pressure Eliminator, smashing a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls. His innings, studded with 12 towering sixes, dismantled the SRH bowling attack and powered Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total of 243/8.

With this performance, Sooryavanshi not only entertained fans but also etched his name deeper into IPL history. His 12 sixes in a single innings helped him surpass Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. The milestone further cemented his status as one of the most destructive batters the tournament has ever witnessed.

The official broadcaster even dubbed him the “Universe Boss Baby”, a nod to Gayle’s famous nickname and the youngster’s incredible dominance at just 15 years of age.

Rathour’s cheeky confession grabs attention

During the post-match discussion, Gavaskar posed a question that many fans have been wondering — is there anyone in the RR camp capable of getting Sooryavanshi out in the nets?

While England pacer Jofra Archer chose to keep his strategy under wraps, Rathour responded with humour.

“It’s only me, I think. I throw it with my stick, and I actually get him out quite often. I’m not telling you why,” Rathour said with a smile.

Though clearly made in jest, the remark highlights just how difficult it has been for bowlers — both in practice and matches — to contain the young batter. His fearless approach, clean hitting, and ability to dominate bowlers across formats have made him nearly unstoppable this season.

A legacy linked to Indian greats

Rathour’s statement carries additional significance given his own cricketing background. The former India batter made his Test debut in 1996 during the Birmingham Test against England — a historic series that also saw the debut of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly at Lord’s in the following match.

Having witnessed and been part of Indian cricket’s evolution alongside such legends, Rathour’s admiration — even in jest — reflects the extraordinary promise Sooryavanshi holds.

Orange Cap holder continues dream run

Sooryavanshi’s remarkable consistency this season is reflected in the numbers. With 680 runs, he currently holds the Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run-scorer in the tournament. His aggressive style, combined with an uncanny ability to find boundaries, has left bowlers struggling for answers.

Despite narrowly missing out on what could have been the fastest century in IPL history, his 97-run knock is widely regarded as one of the finest innings of the season. His dominance has not only helped his team in crucial matches but also redefined expectations from young cricketers.

Fearless cricket at a young age

What sets Sooryavanshi apart is not just his stroke play but also his temperament. At an age when most players are still learning the basics of competitive cricket, he is taking on world-class bowlers with remarkable confidence.

His ability to read the game, pick lengths early, and execute shots with precision has drawn praise from cricketing greats around the world. Experts believe that his fearless mindset is one of the key factors behind his success.

Conclusion

Vikram Rathour’s playful claim of being able to dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the nets adds a human touch to the teenager’s extraordinary rise. While it may have been said in jest, it underscores a larger reality — Sooryavanshi has become one of the most formidable batters in the IPL this season.

From breaking long-standing records to earning admiration from seasoned professionals, the 15-year-old continues to redefine what is possible in modern cricket. As the tournament progresses, his performances will remain under the spotlight, with fans and experts eager to see how far this young prodigy can go.