Mullanpur: Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again found himself agonisingly close to a century but fell short in dramatic fashion during the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. The 15-year-old prodigy scored a scintillating 96 off 47 balls, yet walked back visibly distraught after missing out on a well-deserved hundred for the second match in a row.
Having previously been dismissed in the nineties during the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi’s repeated near-miss has become a major talking point among fans and experts. Despite the disappointment, his innings played a crucial role in powering Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total of 214 for six.
Crowd turns up for teenage sensation
A packed stadium witnessed the young batter’s brilliance, with a majority of spectators eager to watch Sooryavanshi continue his extraordinary run in the tournament. He did not disappoint, showcasing a blend of composure and aggression even under challenging conditions.
The pitch, reused from the previous match, offered less pace and bounce, making stroke play difficult. Gujarat Titans bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Prasidh Krishna, executed a clear strategy of bowling back-of-a-length deliveries aimed at restricting Sooryavanshi’s free-flowing style.
Early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel added pressure, forcing Sooryavanshi to adapt his approach. Despite a cautious start, he soon found rhythm and began to dominate the opposition with a series of remarkable shots.
Brilliance under pressure despite tough conditions
Sooryavanshi’s innings was marked by fearless stroke play, including a stunning straight six off a 153 kmph delivery from Rabada. Even after being struck on the helmet by the South African pacer, the youngster continued to take on the bowlers with confidence.
He also had a slice of luck when Sai Sudharsan dropped him on 46. Capitalising on the reprieve, Sooryavanshi accelerated in the middle overs and brought up yet another half-century—his sixth of the season.
However, just as he looked set for a memorable century, he fell for 96, caught at third man off Rabada’s short delivery. The dismissal mirrored his previous outing, adding to the heartbreak.
Emotional reaction highlights growing expectations
Following his dismissal, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag was seen in an animated discussion with the young batter. Sooryavanshi appeared visibly upset, reflecting the high expectations he has set for himself during this remarkable season.
His reaction quickly went viral on social media, with fans expressing both sympathy and admiration. While many were disappointed that he missed out on a century again, others praised his maturity and consistency at such a young age.
Support from teammates ensures strong finish
While Sooryavanshi anchored the innings, valuable contributions from teammates helped Rajasthan Royals post a competitive total. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial supporting role, scoring 45 not out off 35 balls despite dealing with a tennis elbow issue. He briefly retired hurt before returning to finish the innings.
In the death overs, Donovan Ferreira provided the final flourish with a blistering 38 not out off just 11 deliveries. His aggressive batting included a decisive assault on Rashid Khan in the final over, which yielded 27 runs and significantly boosted the team’s total.
Internet reacts to repeated near-miss
Sooryavanshi’s back-to-back dismissals in the nineties have sparked widespread reactions online. Cricket fans and analysts have debated whether the young batter should adjust his approach in the final stages of an innings or continue playing fearlessly.
Many former cricketers have pointed out that such experiences are part of a player’s growth and will only make him stronger. Given his age and the level of performance he has already achieved, expectations are understandably high.
Conclusion
Although Vaibhav Sooryavanshi missed out on a century once again, his innings of 96 remains a testament to his exceptional talent and temperament. The disappointment of falling short may linger, but his ability to consistently deliver under pressure at just 15 years of age is extraordinary. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, it seems only a matter of time before the young star converts these near-misses into match-defining centuries.