NEW DELHI: Tears, emotions and heartbreak were all evident in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s social media post after Rajasthan Royals, despite a valiant effort from the 15-year-old, failed to reach the IPL 2026 final. Sooryavanshi’s 96-run knock in Qualifier 2 ultimately went in vain as Rajasthan Royals suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Gujarat Titans and bowed out of the tournament.A hurt and dejected Sooryavanshi, who was seen wiping away tears in the dugout after the loss, took to social media to apologise to Rajasthan Royals fans for falling short of the final.“Still can’t believe how quickly emotions can change in 20 overs. Tonight hurts. It hurts deeply. There’s sadness, frustration, disappointment and a lot we’ll have to sit with. Credit where it’s due, Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans were outstanding tonight,” the 15-year-old wrote on his Instagram Stories.“To everyone who believed in this young team, stood by us, defended us, and cheered for us through all 16 games this season, thank you. We are grateful beyond words. But we are also sorry. Sorry we couldn’t give you the night you deserved. Sorry we let you down when it mattered most,” he said.“This one will stay with us. And we’ll carry it until we’re back and better, next season,” Sooryavanshi added.He missed out on a century for the second successive match but once again showcased his class with a 47-ball 96, an innings studded with eight fours and seven sixes in New Chandigarh.His knock propelled Rajasthan Royals, who last lifted the IPL trophy in 2008, to a formidable 214/6 in 20 overs.In response, Gujarat Titans chased down the target in 18.4 overs, powered by a century from captain Shubman Gill, to book their place in the final.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a phenomenal first full IPL season, amassing 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.31.Having taken apart the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins during the two-month competition, Sooryavanshi has only strengthened the belief that he is a rare talent capable of serving Indian cricket for a long time.After receiving endorsements from several former cricketers, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara also indicated that the young left-hander is ready for the highest level.Sooryavanshi’s performances against world-class bowlers in the IPL are proof that he is more than ready to represent India, Sangakkara said after Rajasthan Royals’ exit.“You never know if anyone’s ready until they play. And with everything Vaibhav’s shown against some of the best bowlers in the world, I think he’s more than ready to take on any challenge that you throw at him. And I’m sure that he’ll get that call-up very, very soon,” said the Sri Lankan.“He’s batted with a lot of maturity, he has shouldered the responsibility of that opening partnership so well for us this season,” he added.
