Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the handling of recent on-field altercations involving Indian players, calling for stronger action from cricket authorities after the Yashasvi Jaiswal-Asitha Fernando incident during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The controversy erupted after Jaiswal was dismissed by Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando. A heated exchange followed, during which Jaiswal's helmet collided with Fernando's forehead. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently fined both players 25 per cent of their match fees and handed them one demerit point each.

Manjrekar, however, believes disciplinary measures need to send a stronger message, particularly to young players.

Manjrekar questions disciplinary approach

In a post on X, Manjrekar argued that allowing players to escape with relatively light punishment could encourage similar behaviour in the future. He linked the Jaiswal incident with another recent controversy involving young India batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

“If you keep letting them get away with such behaviour, you train them to repeat such behaviour,” Manjrekar wrote, adding that such incidents are harmful to the sport as well as the players' futures.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the balance between aggressive cricket and maintaining discipline on the field.

Jaiswal fined after Colombo incident

Jaiswal's confrontation with Fernando occurred during the second Test in Colombo. Following his dismissal, tensions escalated between the two players before the helmet-to-forehead contact took place.

The ICC's decision resulted in a 25 per cent match-fee penalty and one demerit point for each player.

Jaiswal later responded to criticism of the incident. Commentator Harsha Bhogle had discussed the episode in a video shared on Instagram, following which Jaiswal commented on the post.

The India batter said that people should not judge the situation without knowing what had been said during the exchange. He also insisted that the Indian team would respond when an opponent crossed the line.

Vaibhav controversy also highlighted

Manjrekar's latest comments also refer to an incident involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during a match against Sri Lanka A.

According to reports, an argument between Vaibhav and Sri Lankan player Vishen Halambage escalated into a physical confrontation, with Vaibhav pushing the opposition player. Reports also suggested that Halambage had been provoking the young Indian batter during the series.

Manjrekar had previously taken a firm position on Vaibhav's conduct, saying he would have dropped the youngster for the following match had he been part of the India A coaching or management staff.

Manjrekar wants players to learn

The former India batter's argument is not limited to punishment for its own sake. His concern is that young cricketers need to understand the consequences of crossing behavioural boundaries on the field.

Vaibhav had also faced criticism previously after appearing to show his shoe towards Pakistan's Ali Raza following his dismissal in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.

With several incidents involving young players and international cricketers attracting attention, Manjrekar's comments have again raised questions over how cricket's governing bodies and team managements should deal with aggressive on-field behaviour.

Debate over aggression and discipline

Competitive cricket has traditionally involved verbal exchanges and intense celebrations, but physical confrontations remain a separate matter. The Jaiswal-Fernando episode has therefore become part of a wider discussion about where the line should be drawn between competitive aggression and unacceptable conduct.

For Manjrekar, stronger intervention from the ICC, BCCI and team managements could help ensure that young players understand those limits early in their careers.

The 2026-27 domestic cricket season got underway on Sunday with the 63rd edition of the Duleep Trophy, with teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the biggest names in focus. The 15-year-old, however, had a brief outing for East Zone against North East Zone in Bengaluru, scoring only eight runs.

Sooryavanshi, who has been appointed East Zone’s vice-captain under Ishan Kishan, struck two consecutive boundaries before his innings came to an early end. He first flicked the ball towards mid-wicket and followed it with a sharp cut for another four.

The teenager attempted to attack the next delivery from Bishworjit Konthoujam but edged the ball towards the slips, where Joseph Lalthankhuma completed the catch. Sooryavanshi's dismissal left East Zone in trouble early in the innings.

Abhimanyu Easwaran also failed to make a major contribution, departing for 15 after being given out leg before wicket. With both openers back in the pavilion, East Zone were reduced to 25 runs.

Kumar Kushagra and Sudip Kumar Gharami then steadied the innings with a 92-run partnership. Kushagra eventually fell for 55, after which Virat Singh and captain Ishan Kishan were dismissed for two and four respectively.

East Zone reached 138/5 by lunch before Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed took charge. The pair added 100 runs together, helping their side recover from a difficult position.

Gharami went on to score a century, while Shahbaz also reached three figures and remained unbeaten on 100. Anukul Roy was unbeaten on 22 as East Zone continued to build a sizeable total.

The Duleep Trophy is being played as part of India’s new domestic season, with several established and emerging players featuring across the tournament. East Zone’s squad includes experienced names such as Mohammed Shami and Abhimanyu Easwaran alongside players including Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Kumar Kushagra.

In another fixture in Bengaluru, North Zone faced West Zone after captain Kanhaiya Wadhawan won the toss and elected to bat. North Zone were bowled out for 251 in 66.5 overs.

Ayush Badoni contributed 51 runs, while Anshul Kamboj added 60 lower down the order. West Zone’s bowling attack was led by Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian, who picked up four wickets each to keep North Zone under pressure.

West Zone finished the day on 31/2 in 10 overs. Prithvi Shaw scored 22, while Musheer Khan and Shivalik Sharma were unbeaten on six and zero respectively at the close of play.

The opening day therefore produced contrasting results for some of the tournament's high-profile players. Sooryavanshi could not make a major impact with the bat, while Shahbaz and Gharami provided East Zone with the kind of substantial contributions needed to recover from early setbacks.

With the Duleep Trophy also serving as an important platform for players looking to make their mark in domestic cricket, performances across the tournament will remain closely watched as the season progresses.

India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shifted his focus from T20 cricket to the longer format, beginning preparations for the upcoming Duleep Trophy, where he will represent East Zone.

The 15-year-old is currently training at the Rajasthan Royals Performance Centre in Nagpur as part of a 10-day camp organised by his IPL franchise. With red-ball cricket presenting a very different challenge from the high-tempo T20 format, Sooryavanshi is working on aspects of his batting, particularly defence and leaving deliveries outside the off stump.

The youngster shared a video of his training session on Instagram on Tuesday with the simple caption, “Preparation”. The footage showed him combining his naturally aggressive batting with more controlled defensive strokes.

Red-Ball Challenge Awaits

Sooryavanshi's next major assignment will come in the Duleep Trophy, which begins on August 23. He has been named East Zone vice-captain, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain.

The tournament will provide Sooryavanshi with an opportunity to adapt his batting to longer innings, changing pitches and sustained spells from red-ball bowlers.

His preparation comes shortly after an impressive T20I tour of Zimbabwe. Sooryavanshi scored 151 runs in three innings, averaging 50.33 at a strike rate of 196.10. He made two half-centuries, with his highest score being 81.

He was subsequently named Player of the Series and became the youngest player to win the award at 15 years and 121 days.

Six T20Is for India

Sooryavanshi has so far played six T20 Internationals for India, scoring 193 runs at an average of 32.16 and a strike rate of 189.21. He has two half-centuries in the format.

His recent England tour was less productive. He played three innings but failed to cross the 20-run mark in any of them as India lost the five-match series 4-1.

The contrasting performances have highlighted the importance of developing his game beyond T20 cricket, particularly as he begins taking his first steps into senior domestic red-ball cricket.

Youngest Indian International Debutant

Sooryavanshi made his India debut against England in Manchester at just 15 years and 99 days.

The debut made him the youngest cricketer to represent India in international cricket, surpassing previous records associated with Sachin Tendulkar in men's cricket and Shafali Verma in women's cricket.

Tendulkar made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days, while Shafali made her international debut at 15 years and 239 days.

IPL 2026 Breakthrough

Before making his international debut, Sooryavanshi had already established himself as one of the most talked-about young players in the IPL.

Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he scored 776 runs in 16 matches during IPL 2026 at a remarkable strike rate of 237.31. His performances earned him the Orange Cap.

He also collected the Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker and Super Sixes awards.

His IPL campaign followed another standout performance at the Under-19 World Cup, where he scored 439 runs and was named Player of the Tournament.

Record-Breaking U19 Final

Sooryavanshi also produced a memorable innings in the Under-19 World Cup final, scoring 175 against England.

The knock made him the highest scorer in an Under-19 World Cup final, surpassing the previous mark of 111 not out held by India's Unmukt Chand, who scored the innings against Australia in the 2012 final.

Rajasthan Royals Camp

The current training camp in Nagpur includes several Rajasthan Royals players, including Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Shubham Dubey, Ravi Singh and Sushant Mishra.

Sooryavanshi and Deshpande are both set to feature in the Duleep Trophy, with Deshpande representing West Zone.

According to Rajasthan Royals, the camp is designed to prepare players for the domestic season through technical training, strength and conditioning, workload management, recovery and performance analysis.

The Performance Centre also provides access to pitches prepared with different types of soil, allowing players to experience varied playing conditions.

Vikram Rathour Stresses Preparation

Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour has described the period before the domestic season as an important opportunity for players to refine their skills.

The franchise's Head of Operations, Romi Bhinder, has also stressed the long-term purpose of the High Performance Centre, saying player development is intended to continue throughout the year rather than being restricted to the IPL season.

For Sooryavanshi, the immediate objective is clear: adjust his attacking T20 game to the demands of red-ball cricket.

With the Duleep Trophy beginning on August 23, the teenager's ability to defend, leave the ball and build longer innings will now be under the spotlight.

East Zone Squad

Ishan Kishan (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudeep Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subhranshu Senapati, Abhijeet Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Danish Das.

Mumbai: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has questioned the way young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was introduced to international cricket, saying the team management could have handled his transition much better. According to Kaif, the 15-year-old should have been given his debut during India's tour of Ireland rather than being thrown into the more challenging conditions of England. He believes that a gradual introduction would have helped the youngster gain confidence before facing stronger opposition.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said Sooryavanshi had already proved his talent during the IPL 2026, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stars by winning the Orange Cap. His consistent performances made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. After such an impressive season, many expected him to feature in India's playing XI during the Ireland series. However, the team management preferred experienced players Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the opening matches, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.

Kaif believes that keeping the teenager out despite his outstanding form affected his confidence. He argued that players who are in exceptional form should be backed immediately instead of being made to wait for opportunities. According to him, allowing Sooryavanshi to make his debut against Ireland would have reduced the pressure before he entered the much tougher England series. He said the youngster would have become familiar with international cricket in relatively easier conditions and carried greater confidence into the next assignment.

Sooryavanshi eventually made his T20I debut during the England series after Samson was dropped following a string of poor performances. However, the young left-hander struggled in his first three innings and was left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final match. Kaif felt that judging such a young player after only a few innings was unfair, especially considering the challenging English conditions and the quality of opposition.

The former India batter also pointed out that Sooryavanshi was not an ordinary prospect but a rare talent who had earned his place through consistent performances. He said winning the Orange Cap in the IPL was proof that the youngster had delivered throughout the tournament rather than in just one or two matches. Kaif remarked that special talents often require special handling and suggested that the management should have shown greater faith in the teenager from the very beginning.

Referring to Sooryavanshi’s performances after the England series, Kaif highlighted his outstanding display against Zimbabwe. The youngster scored 151 runs in the three-match T20I series, including a highest score of 81, and was named the Player of the Series. Kaif said this performance demonstrated that the player’s ability had never been in doubt. Instead, he believed the initial handling of the youngster's international career made the journey more difficult than necessary.

Kaif also noted that Sooryavanshi had to face one of the world's top fast bowlers, Jofra Archer, early in his international career, making his task even more challenging. He stressed that young cricketers need patience and consistent backing during their initial phase rather than being judged after a handful of innings. According to him, talented youngsters flourish when they are given confidence and continuity instead of facing immediate pressure to deliver.

Sooryavanshi continues to be regarded as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects. His fearless batting, maturity at a young age, and performances in domestic and franchise cricket have already earned him significant attention. Kaif believes the teenager has the potential to become a major player for India in the coming years, provided he receives sustained support from the team management and enough opportunities to settle into international cricket.

India captain Shubman Gill has climbed back to the top of the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, reclaiming the No.1 position after an impressive series against England. Gill, who leads India in both ODIs and Tests, scored 80 (retired hurt), 31 and 77 during the three-match ODI series. Although India lost the series 2-1, his consistent performances were enough to overtake New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell, who slipped from the top after missing the final ODI against the West Indies because of a low-grade hip injury. According to the ICC, Gill has now begun his third stint as the world's No.1 ODI batter, underlining his consistency in the 50-over format. The latest rankings further strengthen Gill's status as one of the leading batters in world cricket ahead of India's upcoming international assignments.

India also celebrated a major rise for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made a remarkable jump of 230 places to break into the top 50 of the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings. The 18-year-old is now ranked 48th after a memorable series in Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series. Sooryavanshi scored 151 runs in three innings, including a blistering 19-ball half-century in the opening match and a well-crafted 81 off 49 balls in the third game. His performances highlighted his ability to dominate attacks despite limited international experience. The latest rankings also brought good news for other Indian batters. Tilak Varma climbed two places to sixth in the T20I batting rankings, while India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer moved up seven spots to 24th following a productive tour of Zimbabwe.

India's gains were not limited to batting. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi enjoyed a significant rise in the T20I bowling rankings after consistent performances in all three matches against Zimbabwe. Bishnoi jumped 31 places to reach 41st in the latest standings, while Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani also moved up 10 places to 26th after an impressive series. The ICC rankings update also reflected changes following the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan. Pakistan captain Babar Azam climbed four places to 15th after his unbeaten 58 in the second innings, while Shan Masood rose eight places to 36th after scoring a century. West Indies batter Shai Hope advanced to 39th following his 92-run knock, and Kavem Hodge also registered an improvement in the Test batting rankings. For Indian cricket, however, the biggest highlights of the latest rankings were Gill's return to the top of ODI cricket and Sooryavanshi's rapid emergence as one of the fastest-rising young stars in T20 internationals.

India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another major milestone to his rapidly rising career after being named vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026. The youngster will serve as deputy to wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who has been handed the captaincy for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament beginning in Bengaluru on August 23. Sooryavanshi enters the competition in strong form after being named Player of the Series during India's recent T20I tour of Zimbabwe. His elevation to a leadership position comes shortly after his international debut during India's tour of England earlier this month, making it another significant step in a career that has moved quickly from domestic cricket to the international stage. The East Zone selectors have backed the youngster not only as a top-order batter but also as part of the team's leadership group.

Sooryavanshi is expected to open the batting alongside experienced Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, giving East Zone an interesting combination of youth and experience at the top. Easwaran brings more than 100 first-class appearances to the squad and will be one of its most seasoned players. Captain Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, provides international experience and an attacking presence in the middle order. The squad also marks the domestic return of veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been away from international action since the 2025 Champions Trophy final. Shami featured for Bengal during the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. India pacer Mukesh Kumar, all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, Jharkhand batter Virat Singh, wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra and spin-bowling all-rounder Anukul Roy are among the other notable names selected. Roy comes into the tournament after impressing during India A's successful tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

East Zone will, however, be without Riyan Parag and Akash Deep, with both players continuing their rehabilitation following surgeries. Parag is recovering from an operation on his right shoulder, while fast bowler Akash Deep remains sidelined after undergoing back surgery. Neither was considered for selection as their recovery programmes continue. The final East Zone squad consists of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Senapati, Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Denish Das. Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S Baral, Sharandeep Singh and Swastik Samal have been named as standby players. For Sooryavanshi, though, the vice-captaincy will attract particular attention. After producing runs for India and climbing rapidly through the international rankings, the Duleep Trophy will give him another opportunity to establish his credentials in the longer format while also taking on additional responsibility as part of East Zone's leadership setup.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the standout name from the first match in Harare. The 15-year-old smashed a 50 off just 18 balls — the fastest half-century by any player on T20I debut territory for his age, and a knock that made him the youngest player to score a fifty in men's international cricket. His innings, laced with four fours and four sixes, took the pressure off India's chase almost as soon as it began, guiding the side home in just 13.2 overs after Zimbabwe had been restricted to 125 for 7.

Mayank Yadav was the other headline performer, returning to the national setup with career-best figures of 2 for 18 and picking up the Player of the Match award for a spell that set the tone with the ball. He dismissed Brian Bennett off the very first delivery of the match, and paired with Prince Yadav's two wickets to leave Zimbabwe reeling early. New T20 captain Shreyas Iyer, who was at the non-striker's end for the winning run, called it a special first win as skipper after eight matches in charge, and said the platform Mayank provided with the ball set up the rest of the innings.

Not everything went smoothly for India in the opener. Abhishek Sharma departed cheaply for 1, continuing a rough run in the format — he's recorded nine ducks in T20Is in the 2026 calendar year, tying him for the joint-most in a single year alongside Rashid Khan and Shadab Khan. He was also involved in a minor injury scare in the field, taking a hard-hit ball on the wrist while attempting a catch, though he was able to continue after treatment.

With the series opener wrapped up on July 23, the second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, with India looking to extend their lead and Zimbabwe searching for a response after being bowled out cheaply first time around. A series win would mark a strong turnaround for Iyer's captaincy tenure after the winless run that preceded it.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed his desire to mentor young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying he sees the teenager as the next stage in the evolution of Indian cricket after helping shape the career of Abhishek Sharma.

Speaking to JioStar, Yuvraj praised the youngster's talent and maturity while indicating that he would like to spend time working with him, just as he has done with Abhishek over the years.

"I have spent a lot of time training Abhishek, and I would love to spend time with Vaibhav as well. He has a great career ahead of him. He is a serious player in the making, and I believe he will get there," Yuvraj said.

Yuvraj Sees New Generation Emerging

Drawing comparisons across generations, Yuvraj described Indian cricket's progression through successive batches of talented players.

"I always call myself a Terminator. Now there is Terminator 4, Abhishek Sharma, who is four times better than me. And after him comes Terminator 6, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has evolved even more," he said.

According to the former World Cup-winning cricketer, each generation is raising the standard of the sport.

"I did my part in my time, Abhishek elevated it, and now Vaibhav is setting new standards. This is the third phase of the same journey," he added.

Inspired by Modern Sport

Yuvraj also pointed to the changing landscape of global sport, saying the rapid evolution witnessed in tennis is similar to what he sees in cricket.

Referring to world tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he said their performances reflect how elite sport continues to evolve, adding that he notices the same transformation in players like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Vaibhav Calls Meeting 'Special'

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi described his first interaction with Yuvraj Singh as a memorable experience, revealing that the former India star has long been one of his biggest inspirations.

"Yuvi Paaji is my idol too. Meeting him for the first time was a special moment," Vaibhav said.

The young batter explained that Yuvraj spoke extensively about the mental aspects of cricket, including handling pressure, maintaining self-belief and preparing for high-level competition.

"He shared a lot of insights about the game. He spoke about the mental side of the game, how to handle pressure, and the importance of believing in yourself. It feels great to have so much to learn from someone like him. I am sure it will help me a lot in my career going forward," he added.

Abhishek Reflects on His Own Journey

India batter Abhishek Sharma, who has trained under Yuvraj Singh for several years, said he could relate to Vaibhav's excitement after meeting his idol.

Speaking to JioStar, Abhishek recalled the emotions of meeting Yuvraj for the first time and said the recent opportunity to watch the Wimbledon 2026 final alongside Yuvraj and Vaibhav made the occasion even more memorable.

"I can feel what Vaibhav is feeling right now because Yuvi Paaji is my idol as well. I remember when I first met him, it was kind of the same feeling. Watching my first Wimbledon final with Yuvi Paaji and Vaibhav was a special day for me," he said.

Focus on Long-Term Development

Yuvraj Singh has earned widespread recognition in recent years for mentoring several young Indian cricketers, with Abhishek Sharma emerging as one of the most successful examples of his guidance.

His latest remarks suggest that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could become the next young talent to benefit from the former all-rounder's experience as Indian cricket continues to prepare its next generation of international stars.

One of Indian cricket’s most anticipated young talents has taken a major step in his career. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is now on the verge of making his international debut after receiving his first India jersey and departing with the national squad for Ireland.

India's teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has moved a step closer to realizing his dream of representing the country at the highest level. The 15-year-old batter received his first Team India jersey ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, marking a significant milestone in a remarkable rise that has captured the attention of the cricketing world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the emotional moment when Team India throwdown specialist Raghu handed Sooryavanshi his national jersey. The youngster, visibly overwhelmed, described the occasion as the fulfillment of a dream he had carried since picking up a bat for the first time.

Sooryavanshi has already departed for Ireland alongside senior players including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. With the series set to begin this week, cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see whether the teenager will earn his first international cap.

Emotional First Moment

Speaking after receiving the jersey, Sooryavanshi said he struggled to put the experience into words. According to the youngster, seeing the India jersey for the first time felt surreal and represented the biggest step in a journey that began during his childhood cricket training.

The BCCI video showed Raghu arriving at his room with the jersey package. After respectfully greeting him, Sooryavanshi carefully opened the box and held the jersey in his hands, smiling as he absorbed the significance of the moment.

The footage quickly gained traction on social media, with fans and former cricketers congratulating the teenager on reaching another landmark in his career.

Ireland Tour Begins

Soon after joining the squad, Sooryavanshi was seen travelling with the Indian team to Ireland. A selfie featuring the young batter alongside Abhishek Sharma and members of the support staff went viral online.

Many fans highlighted the possibility of an explosive opening partnership between Sharma and Sooryavanshi. Both players are known for their aggressive batting approach and ability to dominate bowlers from the very first over.

If selected for the opening match, Sooryavanshi could become one of the youngest players ever to represent India at the international level.

Meteoric Rise in Cricket

Over the past year, Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His performances across domestic tournaments, age-group cricket and franchise competitions have consistently strengthened his case for national selection.

The teenager attracted widespread attention after becoming the youngest centurion in IPL history. He followed that achievement with strong performances in domestic competitions, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

His breakthrough season reached another level during IPL 2026, where he scored 776 runs and finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, outperforming established stars such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.

The youngster also impressed in the recent tri-series final against Sri Lanka A, producing a match-winning knock of 94 under pressure.

The IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans has gone down as the most-watched match in the tournament's history, capping off what officials are calling a record-breaking season on the broadcast front as well as on the field. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, lifted the trophy after beating Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, becoming only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win back-to-back IPL titles.

RCB Wins Back-To-Back Crown

The final itself turned out to be fairly one-sided. Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, batted first and were restricted to 155 for 8. RCB chased the target down comfortably inside 18 overs, with Virat Kohli, who has featured in every IPL season since the league's inception, hitting the winning six to seal the title for his side.

Record Viewership Numbers

According to a release issued by broadcaster JioStar, the final alone reached across 400 million, or 40 crore, screens, making it the most-watched single match in the competition's run so far. The season overall recorded a watch time of 870 billion minutes, translating to roughly 87,000 crore minutes, a figure JioStar described as a season-high benchmark for the tournament.

JioStar Reports Growth Numbers

The broadcaster's statement said the IPL 2026 season pushed overall reach past 1.2 billion, marking a 7 percent rise compared with the previous year. JioStar attributed part of the growth to new storylines and standout individual performances through the season that kept audiences engaged, noting separately that watch time touched 870 billion minutes across the competition.

CEO Hails Platform Integration

JioStar CEO Ishan Chatterjee, commenting on the numbers, said the broadcaster had worked through the season to build what it sees as a genuinely integrated sports platform, where fans were not just watching matches but engaging with content in more personalised ways. He said connected TV viewing and regional-language coverage had turned into significant drivers of growth this season, adding that the results reflected efforts across the platform and would not have been possible without every screen, every interaction, and every moment meaningful for viewers, alongside what he termed the BCCI's steady partnership through the season.

Sooryavanshi Sweeps Top Awards

On the individual honours front, teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a standout season, sweeping nearly every major batting award on offer. The 15-year-old finished with 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player to do so in IPL history. He was also named Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season, besides picking up awards for the most sixes, with a tournament-record 72, and the highest strike rate of the season.

Other Award Winners Named

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan was recognised for hitting the most fours through the season, while his teammate Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap after finishing with 29 wickets, the highest tally among bowlers in IPL 2026. Together, the individual honours rounded off a season that organisers and the broadcaster both described as one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.

With RCB's second straight title and the IPL's viewership numbers setting fresh benchmarks, attention will now shift to whether the franchise can extend its dominance into the next edition, even as broadcasters look to build on this season's reach heading into IPL 2027.

In a heartwarming moment that stood out amid heated on-field drama, India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi touched the feet of Sri Lanka’s first ODI captain Anura Tennekoon shortly after India A’s Super Over defeat against Sri Lanka A.

The incident happened on Tuesday in Dambulla. Emotions were already running high after a fiery exchange between Sooryavanshi and Sri Lankan bowler Vishen Halambage. According to reports, Halambage taunted the young Indian with words like “Match over… now you go home,” prompting Sooryavanshi to react sharply and charge towards him. Teammates, including India A captain Tilak Varma, had to step in to separate the two. Varma was also seen arguing with the umpire.

The match ended in disappointment for India A, but the day took a respectful turn when Tennekoon, who had travelled all the way from Colombo, waited outside the India A dressing room for nearly an hour. When the young batter emerged, Sooryavanshi immediately bent down to touch the veteran’s feet — a traditional Indian gesture of respect. Tennekoon responded with a warm hug.

The conversation between the two was brief but meaningful. The legendary Sri Lankan cricketer advised the prodigy to focus only on his game and cut out the outside noise. “Today, unfortunately, you couldn’t get going. But that’s part of the game, you can’t get going every day,” Tennekoon told him, according to those present.

The gesture has earned praise across cricket circles, especially given Sooryavanshi’s age and the intense pressure he has been under. The 15-year-old has already made waves with over 700 runs in the IPL 2026 season, earning fans even in Sri Lanka.

Tennekoon himself expressed admiration for the youngster. “I was really impressed by his batting in the IPL. And hitting those sixes and fours the way he does is something unbelievable. I hope he continues in this way,” he said.

This is not the first time Sooryavanshi has received words of wisdom from a senior figure. Just days ago, Virat Kohli met the young opener and gave him similar advice — to stay focused on cricket and ignore distractions. A video of that interaction had gone viral after being shared by RCB.

Sooryavanshi’s recent scores for India A read 12, 44 and 21. While he couldn’t fire in Dambulla, his talent remains unquestionable. At just 15, he is already being talked about as a generational talent, but Tuesday’s events also highlighted the challenges of handling expectations and on-field aggression at such a young age.

The on-field clash has drawn attention to the competitive nature of these ‘A’ team matches, which are meant to prepare players for higher levels. Sri Lanka A managed to pull off a thrilling win in the Super Over, adding to the intensity of the contest.

For Anura Tennekoon, who captained Sri Lanka in their first-ever ODI in 1975, the gesture from Sooryavanshi was special. The veteran made the effort to personally meet and guide the young Indian, showing the spirit of cricket that often rises above rivalry.

Back home, Indian fans have reacted positively to the touching feet moment, with many calling it a fine example of sportsmanship and respect for elders. Social media is filled with clips of the interaction, balancing out the earlier videos of the confrontation.

Cricket experts believe such experiences, both the tough ones and the respectful ones, will help shape Sooryavanshi’s career. At 15, he is already carrying the weight of big expectations, but moments like Tuesday’s meeting with Tennekoon could provide the mental balance he needs.

The India A tour of Sri Lanka continues, and all eyes remain on how the young batter performs in the remaining games. For now, the image of the teenager touching the feet of Sri Lanka’s cricket pioneer has become the lasting memory from the day.

Further matches are expected to test both skill and temperament, but Sooryavanshi’s ability to show respect after a heated contest has won him admirers on both sides of the border.

Sri Lanka A drew first blood in the must-win clash, removing both Indian openers cheaply as India A reached 85/2 in the 15th over of the fourth match of the ongoing one-day tri-series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday.

The 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 21 off just 13 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh managed only 11 before Sri Lanka A’s pacers and fielders struck early. Captain Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad then steadied the innings with a growing partnership as India A looked to rebuild.

Early Promise Fades Quickly

The Indian openers began aggressively. Sooryavanshi, who has been in sublime touch this season after a stellar IPL 2026 campaign, slammed two fours and a six in the second over, racing India A to 17/0. However, the momentum shifted in the fourth over when Sahan Arachchige’s captaincy and a sharp catch by Wanuja Sahan sent the young batter back to the pavilion at 30/1.

Prabhsimran Singh tried to keep the scoring rate up, smashing a boundary soon after, but Mohamed Shiraz claimed his wicket in the seventh over, leaving India A at 39/2. The early breakthroughs handed Sri Lanka A the upper hand in the powerplay.

Middle-Order Stabilises

By the 10th over, India A were 57/2. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma then took control, mixing caution with calculated aggression. Gaikwad found the boundary ropes regularly, and the pair crossed the 50-run partnership mark as the scoreboard ticked past 85 by the 15th over, just before the drinks break.

A dropped catch of Gaikwad earlier offered India A some breathing space, exposing occasional sloppiness in the Sri Lankan fielding.

Team Changes and Context

India A made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Yash Thakur in place of Anshul Kamboj and including Nishant Sindhu. Tilak Varma had earlier indicated that a total around 300 would be defendable on this surface.

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla has offered assistance to bowlers, with batting expected to become tougher as the innings progresses. Spinners could play a bigger role in the middle overs. Weather concerns lingered too, with a 55% chance of rain, following previous matches decided by the DLS method.

Series Situation

All three teams—India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A—are level on two points each after one win and one loss apiece. Sri Lanka A top the table on net run rate, followed by India A. A strong performance today is crucial for India A to stay in contention for the final scheduled on June 21.

Sooryavanshi’s lean patch in this series continues, with this being his third consecutive match without a half-century despite his explosive reputation. Gaikwad, on the other hand, has been the standout for India A, amassing 167 runs including a century. Arshad Khan leads the bowling charts for the side with three wickets.

Sri Lanka A will look to capitalise on their strong start, led by performers like Avishka Fernando with the bat and Chamika Gunasekara with the ball.

As the match progresses into the middle overs, all eyes will be on whether Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad can push India A towards a competitive total or if Sri Lanka A’s bowlers can continue to chip away at the batting order on a tricky Dambulla surface.