Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: IPL) Day three of the Indian Premier League 2026 saw a sensational start for Rajasthan Royals as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lived up to his growing reputation with a half-century as he produced a dominant eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday.All eyes were on the 15-year-old prodigy and he did not disappoint. Sooryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 52 off just 17 balls, laced with four boundaries and five towering sixes, as RR chased down a modest target of 128 with a remarkable 7.5 overs to spare.The left-hander, who had already captured global attention in his record-breaking debut season last year, survived an early scare after being dropped by the very first ball he faced. However, he settled down quickly and launched a furious counter-attack, reaching his fifty in just 15 deliveries.Reflecting on his approach, Sooryavanshi said he balances the attack carefully but stressed the importance of the power play. “I think about the defense, but today we planned to control the power play because in a small chase that phase is crucial,” he said.His fearless knocks included back-to-back sixes off Noor Ahmad which sent the home crowd into a frenzy before he eventually fell to a sharp catcher in the deep.The bowlers prepared a commanding victoryEarlier, RR’s bowling decision first paid off handsomely as their attack dismantled CSK’s batting line-up. Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each to bowl Chennai out for 127 in 19.4 overs.CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and debutant Sanju Samson fell cheaply, leaving the five-time champions struggling. Jamie Overton’s late effort (43 off 36 balls) helped push the total to a somewhat respectable score.Burger, who returned figures of 2 for 26, was named man of the match, while Archer impressed with a clean 2 for 19.Gaikwad admitted it was a shaky start for his side. “There are a lot of youngsters in the group, so probably a nervous start for everyone. It’s good to have the game behind us, but we have to improve quickly,” he said. CSK are also without veteran MS Dhoni, who continues to recover from a calf strain.The IPL action shifts to MullanpurWith RR off to a fast start and CSK looking for answers, the focus now shifts to Day 4’s action. Punjab Kings will take on Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh today as the tournament gathers momentum.
