RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Left Awestruck by 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rajat Patidar called 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the standout player of IPL 2026 after his 776-run season for Rajasthan Royals.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar praised Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the conclusion of IPL 2026, calling the 15-year-old the standout performer of the tournament.

Sooryavanshi dominated bowlers throughout the season, scoring 776 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 237.30. The left-hander smashed 5 half-centuries and 1 century, including a quick 78 off 26 balls against RCB during the league stage, helping Rajasthan Royals secure a 6-wicket win.

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Patidar said the youngster impressed him with his fearless batting and ability to hit top-quality bowling attacks despite his age.

“It’s pretty clear, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He’s so young, and the way he’s dominated this tournament. He just didn’t play; he dominated every top bowler. So the way he played his shots, he’s amazing. Whenever I saw him on TV, it was just superb. I wish him luck,” Patidar said.

Shreyas Iyer Inspired Patidar’s Aggressive Approach

The IPL-winning RCB skipper also thanked Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer for influencing his batting mindset early in his career. Patidar recalled watching Iyer dominate red-ball cricket and said those innings inspired him to play more aggressively. He also appreciated Iyer’s earlier comment describing him as the “most stylish” batter in IPL 2026.

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“I admire him a lot. The way he was dominating in red‑ball cricket, the shots that he was playing. At that point, it was my first season, and after looking at him, I changed my mindset. The way he was playing was unbelievable. Thanks to Shreyas for the words he spoke for me,” he said.

In the final match of the IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted the IPL 2026 trophy after defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RCB chased down 156 in just 18 overs, finishing at 161/5 with 12 balls remaining. With this win, they have now become back-to-back champions.