Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrites history, equals Suresh Raina’s legendary IPL knockout performance
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia) Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced another stunning innings in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, this time equaling one of the most iconic playoff records in the history of the tournament, previously held by Suresh Raina. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur, the teenage sensation smashed his way to a breathtaking half-century in just 16 balls, equaling Raina’s legendary record for the fastest fifty in IPL knockout history. Fastest 50s in IPL knockouts/play-offs (by balls):
- 16 – Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014
- 16 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026*
- 17 – Adam Gilchrist vs DC, 2009
- 20 – MS Dhoni vs MI, 2012
- 21 – Dwayne Smith vs CSK, 2013
- 21 – Virat Patidar vs GT, 2026
Rain’s memorable knock came back in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014 when he smashed 87 off just 25 balls for Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. That innings has long been regarded as one of the greatest playoff knocks in IPL history, and now Sooryavanshi has entered the same conversation at just 15 years old. The RR opener completely dismantled SRH’s bowling attack in the powerplay, finishing with over 60 runs in just the first six overs, alongside some of the most explosive starts we have seen in IPL knockout matches. 50+ Scores in Over 1-6 in IPL Knockouts/Playoffs:
- 87 – Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014
- 74 – Adam Gilchrist vs DD, 2009
- 60 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026*
The innings further underlined Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary consistency as a powerplay destroyer this season. He now has five 50-plus powerplay scores in IPL history, second only to David Warner. Most 50+ Scores in Powerplay in IPL:
- 6 – David Warner
- 5 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- 4 – Travis Head
The youngster also joined elite company for most fifties scored under 20 balls in IPL history. Most 50s in less than 20 balls in IPL:
- 6 – Abhishek Sharma
- 5 – Nicholas Pooran
- 5 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi*
As if these milestones were not enough, Sooryavanshi also broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record of sixes in a single IPL season, a record that has remained intact since 2012.In a tournament full of superstars, Sooryavanshi continues to emerge as the biggest phenomenon of IPL 2026.