Chris Gayle Launches 1st Reaction After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Breaks His IPL Reco – Chris Gayle Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After Record-Breaking IPL Performance
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A Changing of the Guard in the IPL
In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 eliminator, a new star has ascended to the pinnacle of power-hitting. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old prodigy playing for the Rajasthan Royals, has officially rewritten the record books. During a blistering knock against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sooryavanshi hammered 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, effectively surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes hit in a single Indian Premier League season.
For over 14 years, Chris Gayle’s 2012 campaign with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stood as the gold standard for T20 batting. His record of 59 sixes in a single edition seemed untouchable to many, representing the peak of explosive opening batting. However, Sooryavanshi has surpassed this milestone with ease, currently sitting at 65 maximums with the potential to extend that lead further as the Rajasthan Royals continue their pursuit of the IPL 2026 title.
Chris Gayle Passes the Torch
The reaction from the cricket fraternity was swift, with none more notable than the original record-holder himself. Chris Gayle, widely regarded as the greatest T20 batter in history, did not hesitate to publicly praise the young left-hander. Taking to social media, the ‘Universe Boss’ expressed his genuine admiration for the teenager’s performance.
“What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! New Six machine,” Gayle posted on X shortly after the match. By bestowing the title of ‘new six machine’ upon the youngster, Gayle effectively signaled a passing of the torch, acknowledging the raw power and natural timing that Sooryavanshi has brought to the crease throughout this season.
The Praise Continues: Andre Russell Joins the Chorus
The adoration for Sooryavanshi is not limited to Gayle. Kolkata Knight Riders’ talisman Andre Russell, a powerhouse in his own right, has also come forward as a massive admirer of the youngster. Addressing the inevitable discourse surrounding the teenager’s age, Russell emphasized that talent at this level transcends birth certificates.
Russell noted that the sheer simplicity of Sooryavanshi’s “see the ball, hit the ball” approach is what makes him so dangerous. For veteran power-hitters like Russell and Gayle, witnessing such fearlessness in a 15-year-old is a rare and exciting development for the future of the game.
A Near-Miss with History
While Sooryavanshi successfully claimed the record for most sixes in a season, he came agonizingly close to securing another prestigious accolade during the eliminator match. His innings of 97 off 29 balls was a masterclass in aggression. Had he managed to reach his century, he would have broken Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL hundred. Although he fell just three runs short of that milestone, the impact of his innings on the match—propelling the Royals to a daunting total of 243—was undeniable.
The victory, which saw the Rajasthan Royals win by 47 runs, cemented the teenager’s place as a primary architect of their success. With 680 runs already under his belt for the 2026 season, Sooryavanshi is firmly in the hunt for the Orange Cap, a feat that would be monumental for a player in only his second IPL season.
What Lies Ahead for the Young Prodigy
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ascent has been meteoric. Hailing from Bihar, he has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike, proving that technical proficiency can coexist with unbridled power even at a tender age. As the IPL 2026 season approaches its conclusion, all eyes will remain on the Rajasthan Royals opener.
Whether or not he claims the Orange Cap, the 15-year-old has already achieved something far more lasting: he has earned the respect of the legends of the game. For now, the cricket world will watch with bated breath to see just how high the ‘new six machine’ can push his record before the final ball is bowled.
