NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals produced a stunning batting display as young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered them to a record-breaking start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. Chasing 202, RR raced to 97/1 in the Powerplay, their highest-ever total in the first six overs and one of the best in IPL history. Sooryavanshi, who was dismissed for 78 runs off 26, led the charge inside the powerplay with a blistering 57 off just 18 balls, while Dhruv Jurel supported him with a quick 27 off 10 balls.
The sixth over alone produced 24 runs, underlining RR’s dominance.This effort placed RR among the top Powerplay scores in IPL history, just behind some explosive totals by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Highest Powerplay totals in IPL
- 125/0 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
- 107/0 – SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad, 2024
- 105/0 – KKR vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2017
- 100/2 – CSK vs PBKS, Wankhede, 2014
- 97/1 – RR vs RCB, Guwahati, 2026*
- 94/1 – SRH vs RR, Hyderabad, 2025
The aggressive approach ensured RR took early control of the chase, putting immense pressure on RCB’s bowling attack.Earlier, RCB had posted 201/8, largely thanks to a fighting knock from captain Rajat Patidar, who scored 63 off 40 balls. Walking in during a collapse, Patidar steadied the innings and kept the scoreboard ticking despite wickets falling at the other end. Virat Kohli had provided a quick start with 32 off 16 balls but fell trying to accelerate.RR’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi, triggered a middle-order collapse, reducing RCB to 94/6 at one stage. Bishnoi’s variations proved crucial, while Brijesh Sharma impressed with key breakthroughs.However, a late surge from Impact Sub Venkatesh Iyer, who smashed 29 off 15 balls including 21 runs in the final over, pushed RCB past the 200-run mark. Despite the late flourish, the total appeared slightly below par on a surface offering bounce but also value for shots.In response, RR’s fearless approach in the Powerplay, spearheaded by Sooryavanshi, turned the game decisively in their favour, scripting a memorable night and showcasing the arrival of a new batting star in the IPL.
