Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced another jaw-dropping innings in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, this time equalling one of the most iconic playoff records in tournament history previously held by Suresh Raina. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur, the teenage sensation raced to a breathtaking half-century in just 16 balls, matching Raina’s legendary record for the fastest fifty in IPL knockout history. Fastest 50s in IPL knockouts/playoffs (by balls):
- 16 – Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014
- 16 –
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026* - 17 – Adam Gilchrist vs DC, 2009
- 20 – MS Dhoni vs MI, 2012
- 21 – Dwayne Smith vs CSK, 2013
- 21 – Virat Patidar vs GT, 2026
Raina’s unforgettable knock came back in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2014, when he smashed 87 off just 25 balls for Chennai Super Kings against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. That innings has long been considered one of the greatest playoff knocks in IPL history, and now Sooryavanshi has entered the same conversation at just 15 years old. The RR opener completely dismantled the SRH bowling attack inside the powerplay and finished with 60-plus runs in the first six overs alone, placing him alongside some of the greatest explosive starts seen in IPL knockout matches. 50+ scores in overs 1-6 in IPL knockouts/playoffs:
- 87 – Suresh Raina vs PBKS, 2014
- 74 – Adam Gilchrist vs DD, 2009
- 60 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs SRH, 2026*
The innings further underlined Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary consistency as a powerplay destroyer this season. He now has five 50-plus scores inside the powerplay in IPL history, second only to David Warner. Most 50+ scores inside Powerplay in IPL:
- 6 – David Warner
- 5 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- 4 – Travis Head
The youngster also joined elite company for most fifties scored in under 20 balls in IPL history. Most 50s in less than 20 balls in IPL:
- 6 – Abhishek Sharma
- 5 – Nicholas Pooran
- 5 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi*
As if those milestones were not enough, Sooryavanshi also broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, a record that had stood untouched since 2012.In a tournament filled with superstars, Sooryavanshi continues to stand out as the biggest phenomenon of IPL 2026.
