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.

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that spanned nearly two decades. The 38-year-old confirmed that he was stepping away from international cricket, domestic cricket and franchise competitions with immediate effect. Rahane's last competitive appearance came during the 2026 Indian Premier League, where he captained the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and scored 335 runs in 14 matches. Interestingly, the veteran batter had recently spoken about his desire to return to the Indian team, but has now decided to end a career that saw him become one of India's most dependable Test batters. Rahane leaves the game after representing India in 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals, earning a reputation as one of the country's finest performers in overseas conditions.

Rahane made his international debut in 2011 during a T20I against England and immediately caught attention with a blistering 69 off 31 balls while opening the innings. A few days later, he made his ODI debut against the same opposition, scoring a composed 40 off 44 deliveries. His Test debut came in 2013 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Delhi. Although he managed scores of just 1 and 7 in his first Test, it proved to be only a slow beginning. Over the next decade, Rahane established himself as the backbone of India's middle order, scoring 5,077 runs in 85 Tests. In One-Day Internationals, he accumulated 2,962 runs in 90 matches, while adding 375 runs in 20 T20Is. While he represented India across all three formats, it was Test cricket where Rahane built his legacy with calmness, resilience and consistency.

The Mumbai batter played a crucial role in India's transition after the retirement of senior legends, forming a reliable middle order alongside Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. His performances in overseas conditions became the hallmark of his career. Memorable centuries in New Zealand, England and Australia, particularly his hundred at Lord's in 2014, helped India register one of its most famous overseas Test victories. Rahane's ability to deliver under pressure in SENA countries earned him immense respect within the cricketing fraternity. His career, however, witnessed a challenging phase in its latter years. Following a lean run of form, he was dropped from the Test side before making a comeback for the 2023 World Test Championship Final, where he impressed with scores of 89 and 46. Despite the encouraging return, his second stint lasted only three Tests. His final appearance for India came against the West Indies in Port of Spain in July 2023. Even after moving out of the national setup, Rahane continued playing domestic and franchise cricket, leading KKR in IPL 2026 before finally deciding to call time on a career remembered for discipline, composure and some of India's most memorable overseas Test performances.

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.

Team India received a timely boost on Tuesday as star players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya were declared fully fit for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Both cricketers, who endured injury setbacks during the IPL 2026 season, have cleared fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The development ends uncertainty over their participation and strengthens India’s squad depth ahead of the bilateral series, expected to begin later this week.

Fitness Clearance After Tough IPL

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya missed several matches for Mumbai Indians during the recently concluded IPL due to fitness concerns. Rohit sat out seven games with a hamstring issue before making a strong comeback, scoring a brisk half-century. Pandya too battled niggles that limited his involvement.

Following the IPL, both reported to the BCCI’s CoE for rehabilitation. Sources confirmed they completed all required tests under the supervision of the Sports Science and medical teams. Officials have now given them the green light to return to competitive cricket.

Rohit’s Recovery Path

The former India captain’s clearance comes as a relief for fans and the team management. Known for his leadership and big-match temperament, Rohit has a rich legacy, including leading Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles and guiding India to major white-ball triumphs.

His recent return during the IPL, despite the injury layoff, showed promising signs. With the ODI series providing an important assignment before bigger challenges, Rohit’s experience at the top will be crucial.

Pandya Completes Demanding Sessions

Hardik Pandya, who arrived at the CoE on June 2 after a brief holiday abroad, underwent intensive training over the next few days. According to a source close to the development, the all-rounder participated in multiple match simulation drills and bowled his full quota of 10 overs without any discomfort.

“Hardik was on a holiday abroad before he checked in at the CoE on June 2. Over the next five days, he did several match simulations and even bowled (full quota of) 10 overs,” the source told PTI. His fitness parameters were found satisfactory by the strength and conditioning coaches.

Bowling Workload Boosts Hopes

One of the most encouraging aspects of Pandya’s recovery is his ability to complete bowling spells during training. This indicates he is prepared for the physical demands of 50-over cricket. As a genuine all-rounder, Pandya offers balance to the Indian side with his medium-pace bowling and explosive batting in the middle and death overs.

India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier voiced confidence in Pandya’s progress. The latest medical clearance reinforces that optimism and gives the team management valuable flexibility in team combination.

Uncertain Travel Plans

It remains unclear whether Hardik Pandya will join the squad for the under-lights training session in Chandigarh or travel directly to Dharamsala, the likely venue for the series. Team officials are expected to finalise plans shortly.

Significance for Indian Cricket

The return of Rohit and Hardik comes at an important phase for Indian white-ball cricket. Afghanistan have grown stronger in limited-overs formats, and the series offers India a chance to fine-tune strategies and combinations. The presence of senior players like Rohit and Pandya will not only boost morale but also provide guidance to younger members of the squad.

For Rohit, this series could mark another step in his carefully managed workload management. Pandya, meanwhile, will be keen to regain full match rhythm and cement his place as a key all-rounder.

Local cricket enthusiasts in the host cities are eagerly awaiting the series, which promises competitive action. With both stars now available, India head into the contest with a stronger hand.

What Lies Ahead

The BCCI is expected to announce the squad and detailed itinerary soon. Fans will closely watch how quickly the duo integrates into the playing XI and whether their return translates into match-winning performances.

A short Instagram story shared by Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title win sparked an unexpected controversy online. The actress found herself at the center of social media discussions after users misinterpreted sounds heard in the background of a video she posted while celebrating RCB’s victory. After the clip began circulating widely, several rumours emerged across social media platforms, prompting the actress to delete the story and issue a clarification.

According to Nushrratt Bharuccha, the assumptions made by some users were completely baseless. She explained that she was watching the IPL final at a friend’s residence when the video was recorded. The sounds that triggered speculation were reportedly coming from her friend’s puppy, which had become frightened due to loud firecrackers and celebrations taking place outside.

The actress later shared additional videos from the same evening to provide context. In those clips, the puppy can be seen clearly, and similar sounds are audible in the background. Nushrratt said the animal was distressed because of the noise caused by post-match celebrations.

Actress Breaks Silence

Addressing the trolling directly, Nushrratt expressed disappointment over the reaction on social media. She stated that some individuals had crossed acceptable limits by creating controversy around an innocent situation.

In her social media response, the actress urged people not to spread misinformation without verifying facts. She emphasized that the incident involved a scared pet and nothing more. Her clarification quickly gained attention, with many users supporting her stance and criticizing the spread of unverified claims online.

Social Media and Misinformation

The episode has once again highlighted how short video clips shared online can be taken out of context. Experts have frequently warned about the speed at which rumours spread on social media, particularly when incomplete information is available.

Public figures often face intense scrutiny online, and even routine posts can become subjects of speculation. In recent years, celebrities have increasingly used their own platforms to counter misinformation and provide direct explanations to followers.

Nushrratt Bharuccha remains one of the prominent faces in contemporary Hindi cinema. She gained widespread recognition through films such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.

The actress was most recently seen in Uff Yeh Siyapa, directed by G. Ashok. The film featured an ensemble cast including Sohum Shah, Nora Fatehi, Omkar Kapoor, and Sharib Hashmi. Despite expectations, the film did not perform strongly at the box office after its release in September 2025.

For now, Nushrratt Bharuccha’s clarification appears to have settled the controversy, with the actress making it clear that the viral audio had been misunderstood and that the online speculation was unfounded.

As the curtains came down on a high-octane IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful title defence stole the headlines. Yet, away from the trophy celebrations, the spotlight remained sharply on the league’s most expensive players — those retained or bought for ₹18 crore and above — and whether they justified their hefty price tags.

Kohli Delivers for Champion RCB

Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains one of Indian cricket’s most bankable stars. Retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 37-year-old delivered a stellar campaign, amassing 675 runs in 16 matches at a striking rate that consistently troubled bowlers. His unbeaten 75 in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium helped RCB beat Gujarat Titans and lift the trophy for the second year running.

Kohli’s consistency stood in stark contrast to several other high-profile names who struggled to match expectations.

CSK’s Mixed Bag and Playoff Heartbreak

Chennai Super Kings endured another season of disappointment, failing to reach the playoffs for the third straight year. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s lean run — 337 runs in 14 matches — hurt the side dearly. However, Sanju Samson, acquired in a major trade, stood out with 477 runs, including two centuries, often carrying the batting load single-handedly.

Delhi Capitals Rely on Rahul’s Heroics

At Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul emerged as the silver lining in an otherwise ordinary campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 593 runs in 14 matches, including a record-breaking 152 not out, the highest T20 score by an Indian. In contrast, retained captain Axar Patel had a subdued season, managing just 173 runs and 11 wickets.

Gujarat Titans’ Standouts Fall Short in Final

Shubman Gill shone brightly for Gujarat Titans, finishing second in the Orange Cap race with 732 runs. His leadership and sharp catching in the field added value. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan, however, had a patchy season despite picking up 21 wickets. His economy rate above nine often proved costly in crucial moments.

 KKR’s Expensive Overseas Buys Fail to Spark

Kolkata Knight Riders invested heavily in Cameron Green (₹25.2 crore) and Matheesha Pathirana (₹18 crore). Green showed glimpses of his talent after a slow start, contributing 322 runs and seven wickets during a mid-season turnaround. Pathirana, unfortunately, suffered an early injury and could bowl only eight balls in the entire season.

LSG’s Costly Flop Show

Lucknow Super Giants’ campaign was among the biggest letdowns. Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore, managed only 312 runs in 14 matches. His glovework remained decent, but the explosive batting expected from him was missing. Nicholas Pooran too endured a nightmare season, scoring 234 runs at a strike rate of just 127.86.

Mumbai Indians’ Big Guns Misfire

Mumbai Indians’ poor showing can largely be traced to underwhelming performances from their marquee quartet. Jasprit Bumrah, retained for ₹18 crore, picked up only four wickets in 13 matches after a strong T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya (206 runs, four wickets), Rohit Sharma (283 runs), and Suryakumar Yadav (270 runs) all failed to fire consistently, raising questions about the team’s overall strategy.

Shreyas Iyer’s Heroic Effort at PBKS

Amid Punjab Kings’ dramatic collapse after a flying start, captain Shreyas Iyer stood tall. Retained for ₹26.75 crore, Iyer scored 498 runs, including a crucial century in the final league game. His leadership guided PBKS to an unbeaten streak of six matches early on. However, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal disappointed despite decent wicket tallies.

Klaasen Dominates for SRH, Jaiswal Below Par

Heinrich Klaasen was arguably the biggest success story among big buys. The South African smashed 624 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad at a strike rate of 160, providing middle-order stability. Pat Cummins had an average outing with the ball. For Rajasthan Royals, young Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 427 runs but appeared overshadowed and below his best.

As teams begin their post-season analysis, the 2026 season has once again highlighted a key truth in the IPL: big money does not always guarantee big performances.

IIM Indore is undertaking a first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary study of 15-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The research aims to decode the blueprint behind his record-breaking season and understand the psychological and social factors that create extraordinary young talent.

The classroom is about to meet the cricketing colosseum. Just days after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's bat stopped sending bowlers on leather-hunts, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced a comprehensive case study on the 15-year-old phenom. The project, tentatively called the "Vaibhav Model," marks the first time a premier business school is conducting a multidisciplinary academic study of a teenage sporting prodigy.

Breaking the Record Books

The move comes on the heels of an IPL season for the ages. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the boy from Bihar's Motipur village left a trail of destruction, amassing 776 runs in 16 innings at an average of 48.50. He smashed 72 sixes during the campaign, obliterating Chris Gayle's 14-year-old record of 59 maximums in a single season. When asked by coach Rahul Dravid to play cautiously, the teenager famously replied: "Sir, let the bowler watch me".

More Than Just a Bat Swing

While Suryavanshi's strike rate of 237.30 has set social media ablaze, IIM Indore isn't just looking at the numbers. According to IIM Director Himanshu Rai, the research will dive deeper. "This is not merely a story of exceptional cricketing performance," Rai told reporters. "It is a case study in human potential, talent development, discipline, mental strength and sustained excellence".

Experts from sports science, psychology, and management will collaborate to analyze the social, familial, and institutional factors behind Suryavanshi's meteoric rise.

Unpacking the 'Dark Side'

However, the study isn't solely focused on replicating success; it also aims to build a safety net. IIM Indore plans to focus on the "dark side" of early fame. Researchers are keen to understand how a 15-year-old handles crore-rupee contracts, the glare of social media, and the weight of public expectation—pitfalls that have derailed many promising careers before they could truly flourish. "Mental health, emotional balance and long-term development are just as important as talent," Rai noted.

An Organic Meteoric Rise

Vaibhav’s story is rooted in immense sacrifice and grit. His father, Sanjiv, sold land to fund his training, while childhood coach Manish Ojha ensured the eight-year-old faced at least 600 deliveries a day. Later mentored by Rahul Dravid and Zubin Bharucha at the Royals, Suryavanshi refined his technique against 150 kmph throwdowns. Standing at just 5'7'' and weighing 55 kg, his power is derived from bat speed, timing, and a decision-making time of just 0.3 seconds.

A Blueprint for Talent Management

IIM faculty member Dr. Aarti Chopra believes the findings will be invaluable for future managers and policymakers. "Vaibhav's cricket journey is remarkable, but the study is extremely valuable for the corporate world," she said. The institute hopes to create a support system blueprint that allows extreme talent to be nurtured without burning out.

As IIM researchers prepare to dissect the mechanics of his excellence, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 15, is no longer just breaking records—he is becoming a case study in greatness.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their Indian Premier League crown in style, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a low-scoring final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening. Chasing 156, RCB reached the target with 12 balls to spare, powered by Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 off 42 balls.

The victory marks RCB's second successive title, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long associated with near-misses.

Kohli's Defining Knock

Kohli, often the heartbeat of RCB, delivered yet another big-stage performance. Coming in at a crucial juncture, he steadied the chase and accelerated when needed, striking nine fours and three sixes. His innings earned him Player of the Match honours. Captain Rajat Patidar and others provided solid support as RCB crossed the line comfortably despite a mid-innings wobble.

Bowlers Rasikh Salam and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earlier set the tone, restricting GT to 155/8. The pitch offered assistance to seamers, and RCB utilised it well.

Siraj's Graceful Gesture

In a heartwarming moment amid the rivalry, Mohammed Siraj, now with Gujarat Titans, publicly congratulated his former franchise. The pacer, who spent seven seasons with RCB before being released ahead of the mega auction, shared an Instagram story hailing the champions.

Despite the loss and his own heartbreak—captured in a later 'Breakdown' story with teammates—Siraj's gesture reflected the strong bonds formed during his Bengaluru years. Local fans appreciated the sportsmanship from the Hyderabad-born speedster.

"Asked Ourselves Question": Kohli's First Post

Hours after the final, Virat Kohli broke his social media silence with a heartfelt post. Sharing pictures with teammates including Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya, the star batter captioned it in a way that suggested reflection and resilience: "Asked ourselves question." The message resonated deeply with RCB supporters who had waited years for sustained success.

Celebrations and Cross-Sport Shoutouts

The win triggered widespread reactions. Former RCB stars Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers joined the party. Gayle posted "Back To Back 🏆🏆" with his trademark energy, even dancing Gangnam Style during the match. De Villiers shared a reel with the Kannada phrase "Ee saala 2x Naamdu" meaning "This year also ours," adding "rcb forever."

Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife, shared a warm hug between her husband and Dinesh Karthik with the line, "One felt nice, we did it twice." English footballer Harry Kane also praised Kohli's impact in an Instagram story. David Warner singled out Bhuvneshwar Kumar, calling the veteran pacer a "legend" after his strong showing against his former side.

Krunal Pandya, who now has five IPL titles across franchises, playfully flaunted all five trophies with his fingers in a celebratory post.

Fans Go Berserk on Streets

Back home, celebrations turned wild. Videos from Mysore and parts of Tamil Nadu showed RCB fans spilling onto roads, dancing, bursting crackers, and even moving barricades in excitement. Traffic came to a halt in several localities as yellow-and-red jerseys dominated the night. Police maintained a watchful eye but largely allowed the joyous outpouring.

A New Chapter for RCB

This triumph cements a new era under Patidar's captaincy. The side has shed its previous tag of perennial underachievers. Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception, finally has back-to-back titles to show for his loyalty.

For Gujarat Titans, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise competitive season. Skipper Shubman Gill and his team will look to bounce back stronger next year.

As the dust settles on IPL 2026, RCB's success highlights the value of squad stability, tactical bowling, and match-winners like Kohli stepping up when it matters most. Bengaluru is expected to erupt in mega celebrations upon the team's return, with open bus parades already being speculated in fan circles.

The win not only brings silverware but also immense pride to a passionate fanbase that has stood by the team through thick and thin.

Virat Kohli’s career-fastest fifty guides RCB to consecutive titles as 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrites tournament history.

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season drew to a historic close at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) securing back-to-back championship trophies after a clinical five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Chasing a modest target of 156 on a big-match evening, Bengaluru rode on a vintage masterclass from Virat Kohli, who set the tone by smashing his fastest-ever IPL half-century off just 25 deliveries. The victory placed RCB into an elite circle of franchises, capping off a tournament that completely redefined modern statistical records in T20 cricket.

Patidar joins leadership elite

Under the calculated leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB successfully defended the crown they captured in 2025. With this feat, Patidar became only the third captain in the tournament's 19-year history to win consecutive titles, matching the historic captaincy records of MS Dhoni (2010–2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019–2020).

The win also establishes RCB as the fourth team to claim multiple IPL championships, trailing only Kolkata Knight Riders (3), Mumbai Indians (5), and Chennai Super Kings (5). Notably, both of Bengaluru's tournament final victories have now been achieved on the Ahmedabad turf.

Kohli delivers on biggest stage

Facing a disciplined but low-scoring total of 155/8 set by Gujarat, Kohli chose the summit clash to unleash his most aggressive opening intent of the season. Alongside Venkatesh Iyer (32 off 16 balls), Kohli spearheaded an onslaught that saw RCB record the fastest team fifty in an IPL final, reaching the milestone in a mere 3.3 overs.

Despite a brief middle-order collapse engineered by Rashid Khan, which saw RCB slip from 62/0 to 91/4, Kohli anchored the chase with complete poise. He remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, ending the contest with a signature six off Arshad Khan with 12 balls to spare.

Prodigy shatters Gayle's record

While Bengaluru walked away with the team silverware, the individual narrative of the 2026 season was utterly dominated by Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old opening sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young left-hander concluded his campaign by claiming the prestigious Orange Cap, accumulating a staggering 776 runs.

In doing so, Sooryavanshi cleared the boundary ropes 72 times across the season, thoroughly eclipsing Chris Gayle’s 14-year-old league record of 59 sixes in a single edition. At just 15 years and 65 days old, he swept five major season honours, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Emerging Player awards.

Run scoring reaches new peak

Ground authorities and curators across the country faced an unprecedented batting evolution this summer. The tournament cumulatively produced 27,450 runs across all stages, confirming IPL 2026 as the highest-scoring cricket season on record.

A critical factor behind this aggregate was the sheer frequency of high-scoring chases. Teams successfully tracked down targets of 200 or more on 17 separate occasions this year, nearly doubling the previous record of 9 successful 200+ chases witnessed during the 2025 season.

Landmark Indian individual scores

The domestic contingent pushed boundary hitting to unprecedented territory during the league phase. Lucknow Super Giants' skipper KL Rahul entered the record books as the first Indian batsman to cross the 150-run milestone in an IPL innings, hammering an unbeaten 152 off 67 balls against Punjab Kings.

Rahul's knock surpassed the previous Indian record held by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma (141 runs) and stands as the highest individual T20 score by an Indian batsman in any recognized commercial or domestic tournament.

Key Match Statistical Summary

RCB clinch back-to-back IPL titles in Ahmedabad; 15-year-old Suryavanshi steals the show with Orange Cap, MVP, and three more honours

Champions Again in Ahmedabad

Royal Challengers Bangalore are IPL champions for the second season running. In a final that kept Ahmedabad on edge, RCB overcame Gujarat Titans by five wickets to lift the trophy once more — a result that cements their standing as the most dominant side of recent seasons.

The win brought with it ₹20 crore in prize money, while runners-up Gujarat Titans walked away with ₹12.5 crore. Those figures look significant on paper. But they come with a striking footnote — the prize money RCB earned as champions is still less than what Virat Kohli alone took home in salary this season. Kohli's IPL 2026 retainer stood at ₹21 crore, a crore more than what the entire winning side received in winnings.

Suryavanshi's Historic Sweep

If the final belonged to RCB, the season belonged to one name above all others.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 15-year-old from Rajasthan, walked off the ground at the end of IPL 2026 with five individual awards in hand — a haul that no player his age, or anywhere near it, has managed in the tournament's history. He won the Orange Cap after accumulating 776 runs across the season, the most by any batter. He was also named Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, and Super Striker of the Season. In total, he picked up ₹40 lakh in prize money and a car.

On the bowling side, Gujarat Titans' Kagiso Rabada finished with the Purple Cap after claiming 29 wickets.

Youngest Orange Cap in IPL History

The numbers alone don't quite capture what Suryavanshi pulled off. At 15, he became the youngest player in IPL history to win the Orange Cap — an achievement that will sit in the record books regardless of what follows in his career.

The teenager was already among the tournament's most watched players heading into the season. By the end of it, he had cleared every expectation.

'Learned to Play Under Pressure'

When handed the Orange Cap on the night, Suryavanshi spoke with a composure that belied his age. He said he had spent the season learning to read situations and adjust, rather than attacking every delivery on instinct.

"This season I learned how to play in pressure matches," he said. "Also, how to change my game according to the situation. You cannot play every match in the same mode. You have to read the game situation and bat according to the need. I learned this deeply in the playoff matches."

It is the kind of reflection that tends to come from players a decade older. The playoff run, by his own account, was where the real education happened.

Eyes on a Long International Career

Suryavanshi was direct about where his focus lies beyond the IPL. Asked what he takes from this season, he spoke about fitness, longevity, and the demands of playing for India over a sustained period.

"I want to play cricket for a long time for my country and my team. For this, I will have to work a lot on my fitness and avoid injuries," he said. He added that he trusts his natural game above all else — and that when he sees a ball he can attack, he attacks it with full force.

He ended on a line that drew smiles from those around him. When probed further about his recovery routines and physical conditioning, he said with a grin: "Sir, I am not drinking milk right now."

IPL 2026 Individual Awards — Full List

• Orange Cap (Most Runs): Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 776 runs

• Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Kagiso Rabada — 29 wickets

• Most Valuable Player: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

• Emerging Player of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

• Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

With RCB retaining the title and Suryavanshi already rewriting age-based benchmarks, the conversation heading into the next season will be less about whether he belongs at this level — and more about how far he can go.