RR Rewrite IPL Playoff Record Books With Boundary Storm

Fifteen-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a sensational knock in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, smashing 97 runs off just 29 balls and leaving the SRH bowlers clueless. Speaking during the innings break, Vaibhav admitted that the pressure of a knockout game was somewhere in his mind, but revealed that the team coaches advised him to simply replicate what he had practiced and enjoy the occasion without carrying any burden. He said he followed the same mindset during his explosive innings.

Reacting to missing out on a century, Vaibhav clarified that he never thought about the hundred while batting. Explaining his dismissal, he said he attempted to play according to the fielder’s position and felt the shot would have connected better had he played it over third man. Instead, his attempt to hit straight resulted in a mistimed shot and a catch. Vaibhav also stated that he expected Rajasthan Royals to cross the 260-run mark when he got out, but expressed confidence that their bowling attack could successfully defend the massive total of 243 runs.

Rajasthan Royals posted a mammoth 243/8 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel leading the charge. RR hammered 80 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket and continued their domination through the middle overs. However, SRH bowlers made a strong comeback in the death overs by restricting RR to 36 runs in the final five overs while taking five wickets.

Several historic records were created during the innings. Rajasthan’s 243/8 became the second-highest total in IPL playoff history after RCB’s 254/5 against Gujarat Titans earlier in IPL 2026. RR also equalled the playoff record for most sixes in an innings with 17 maximums and registered their highest-ever IPL total. Additionally, Rajasthan recorded their eighth 200-plus score against Sunrisers Hyderabad, matching the all-time IPL record for most 200-plus totals against a single opponent.