Rajasthan Royals’ 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has surged to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap leaderboard following a devastating 78-run knock against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
The left-handed opener from Samastipur, Bihar, has now amassed 200 runs in just four matches, maintaining an extraordinary strike rate and securing his second half-century of the season.
Match Highlights: RR vs. RCB (April 10, 2026)
Chasing a target of 202, Rajasthan Royals made light work of the chase, finishing at 202/4 in 18 overs to secure a comprehensive six-wicket victory and remain undefeated this season.
Sooryavanshi’s Onslaught: The teenager smashed 78 off 26 balls, featuring 8 fours and 7 sixes. He reached his half-century in just 15 balls, matching his own record for the fastest fifty of the season (previously set against CSK).
Powerplay Mastery: He took on world-class pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar without hesitation, hitting boundaries off his very first deliveries against both.
Dhruv Jurel’s Anchor: After Sooryavanshi’s departure, Dhruv Jurel finished the job with a classy, unbeaten 81 off 43 balls, stitching a 108-run partnership that “killed the momentum” for RCB.
RCB’s Effort: Earlier, RCB posted 201/8, led by captain Rajat Patidar’s 63 and a late cameo from impact sub Venkatesh Iyer (29 off 15 balls)*.
“King” Kohli’s Gesture
Despite the defeat, RCB talisman Virat Kohli was seen spending time with the youngster after the match.
Autograph & Message: Kohli signed Sooryavanshi’s Rajasthan Royals cap, writing: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.”
Grounded Nature: Before receiving his Player of the Match award and the Orange Cap, the 15-year-old was seen seeking blessings from BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla.
IPL 2026 Orange Cap Standings (Top 2)
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | RR | 4 | 200 | 50.00 | 266.67 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | 4 | 187 | 46.75 | 175.50 |
Rajasthan Royals now sit firmly at the top of the points table with four wins in four games, while the defending champions, RCB, face their first taste of defeat in the 2026 edition.