Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blitz buries RCB as Rajasthan chase 202 with ease

Another day, another exhibition of fearless brilliance from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as Rajasthan Royals steamrolled Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, chasing down 202 with startling ease in Guwahati on April 10.

The 15-year-old sensation from Samastipur once again rewrote the script, hammering a breathtaking 78 off just 26 balls, including a 15-ball half-century, to leave a seasoned RCB attack in tatters. On a surface that offered something for everyone after pre-match rain, Sooryavanshi stood in a league of his own—dictating terms with audacity and precision.

While the spotlight firmly belonged to the teenager, Dhruv Jurel delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 81 off 43 balls. Calm under pressure, Jurel guided Rajasthan through a brief middle-order wobble and ensured the target was overhauled comfortably in the 18th over.

With this win, Rajasthan made it four victories in four matches, while RCB’s unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt.

Sooryavanshi’s assault leaves bowlers searching for answers

Sooryavanshi set the tone from the very first ball, launching a calculated onslaught that showcased both power and maturity. Short deliveries were punished with pulls, fuller ones dispatched through the covers, and slower balls read early and deposited into the stands.

He registered his second 15-ball fifty in just four matches this season, underlining a staggering consistency for someone so young. His 18-run over against Josh Hazlewood and earlier dominance over Bhuvneshwar Kumar highlighted not just brute force, but remarkable game awareness.

Against Hazlewood’s famed discipline, Sooryavanshi responded with authority—cutting off the back foot, lofting over mid-on, and driving through gaps with surgical precision. When tested with variations, he adapted seamlessly, waiting on slower deliveries and punishing them with disdain.

The carnage began early. Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi propelled Rajasthan to a record 97/1 in the powerplay, effectively sealing the fate of the chase. Even part-time options like Tim David were not spared, as the Royals raced ahead at a blistering rate.

Jurel ensures no late hiccups

Amid the fireworks, Jurel’s innings proved equally vital. Walking in during a brief stutter, he maintained the tempo while keeping risks in check. His calculated assault on Abhinandan Singh—yielding 24 runs in a single over—further tilted the contest decisively in Rajasthan’s favour.

After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal by Krunal Pandya and a minor scare following Riyan Parag’s early departure, Jurel steadied the ship. Partnering with Ravindra Jadeja, he navigated the middle overs with composure, ensuring the asking rate never spiralled.

RCB’s recovery falls short

Earlier, RCB staged a spirited recovery after collapsing to 94/6. Rajat Patidar led the resistance with a determined 63 off 40 balls, while Impact Player Venkatesh Iyer provided late impetus with a quickfire cameo.

The tactical gamble to introduce Iyer early paid dividends with the bat, as he and Patidar stitched together a crucial 41-run stand. A 21-run final over helped RCB post a competitive 201/8 after being in deep trouble at 125/7.

However, the absence of a fifth specialist bowler—sacrificed for batting depth—proved costly as Rajasthan’s relentless batting exposed the imbalance.

Early damage and missed control

RCB’s innings had earlier been jolted by Jofra Archer, who removed Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal in a fiery opening spell. Virat Kohli showed glimpses of form but fell for 32, while Ravi Bishnoi’s twin strikes left the middle order reeling.

Though RCB fought back admirably, the total ultimately proved insufficient against a Rajasthan side brimming with confidence—and powered by a generational talent in Sooryavanshi.

As the Royals sit comfortably atop the points table, one question continues to echo across the cricketing world: just how far can Vaibhav Sooryavanshi go?