Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Emerging Player of IPL 2026 tournament
Ahmedabad, June 1
Rising sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated the awards at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2026, being named the Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Orange Cap winner, and Super Sixes of the Season.
The 15-year-old Bihar-born batter had an extraordinary tournament for Rajasthan Royals, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 237.30.
Sooryavanshi's consistent performances, including a record-breaking 72 sixes, helped him surpass several long-standing IPL records and establish himself as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.
At just 15 years and 65 days old, Sooryavanshi also set a new IPL record as the youngest Orange Cap winner. The previous record was held by Gujarat Titans opener Sudharsan, who won it at 23 years and 231 days in 2025, while Shubman Gill had set the record in 2023 at 23 years and 263 days.
Sooryavanshi narrowly missed matching Virat Kohli's tally of four centuries in a season, having been dismissed in the nineties three times--93 against Lucknow Super Giants, 97 in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and 96 in Qualifier 2 versus Gujarat Titans--besides his century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sooryavanshi also reached the milestone of 1,000 IPL runs in record time, taking just 440 balls, surpassing West Indies legend Andre Russell. In terms of innings, he became the second fastest, achieving it in 23 innings, with Shaun Marsh holding the record at 21 innings.
"It feels good, but I feel a bit under pressure having to give the interview. I am not drinking milk nowadays. How to play each game, you can't play every game the same way. If I have to stay injury-free, I have to work on my fitness. Everyone is very supportive. All senior players, support staff, everyone backs me, and it's a good atmosphere," Sooryavanshi said after winning the Most Valuable Player of the season award.
Coming to the IPL 2026 final, Put to bat first by RCB, GT scored just 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar (50* in 37 balls, with five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 in 18 balls, with three fours) being the only ones to cross the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) took wickets regularly.
RCB started off well with a 62-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer (32 in 16 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. GT showed some fight, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, but Virat (75* in 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) guided RCB to a win with two overs left.
This is RCB's second IPL title win and overall their fourth Indian franchise cricket trophy, including two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of this Bihar boy! 🇮🇳 Coming from a small town and making it big on the biggest stage. His comment about not drinking milk nowadays was so cute, lol. But jokes aside, 72 sixes in one season? That's legendary stuff. And the way he talks about staying injury-free at 15 shows he has a mature head on young shoulders. RCB fans must be happy too - that's their second IPL title! 🔥
As someone who follows the IPL from abroad, this kid is genuinely special. Breaking the Orange Cap record by almost 8 years is no joke. But I do have a small concern - these batting-friendly pitches and small boundaries are making it hard to judge true batting talent. Still, Sooryavanshi's ability to clear the rope at will is phenomenal. Can't wait to see him in international cricket.
Absolutely staggering numbers! But can we talk about how he almost equaled Kohli's four centuries? Three nineties in a season - unlucky but also shows he's getting starts and converting. The record for fastest 1000 IPL runs (by balls) is incredible - beating Andre Russell! And he's just 15. Dravid and the support staff at RR deserve huge credit for nurturing this gem. Meanwhile, RCB finally getting their second title - Virat's 75* was a masterclass in chasing. Perfect end to a perfect season!
I'm honestly amazed by the level of talent coming out of India. A 15-year-old dominating a league that has the best bowlers in the world? That's unprecedented. What strikes me most is his maturity in interviews - "you can't play every game the same way" - that's wisdom you'd expect from a 10-year veteran. My only worry is the pressure that comes with this fame at such a young age. Hope his family and team keep him grounded. 🏏
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