Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 15-ball fifty powers RR to eight-wicket win over CSK
Rajasthan Royals began their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi starred with a blistering 15-ball fifty. Royals bowlers restricted CSK to 127.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag supported the chase. CSK's key players struggled. This marks a strong start for Rajasthan and a concerning one for Chennai.
Rajasthan Royals announced their arrival in IPL 2026 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings, powered by a breathtaking innings from teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Royals’ bowlers set the tone early, restricting CSK to a modest 127 on a pitch that had seen limited play due to rain. CSK’s batting struggled from the outset, with the home side failing to build any momentum.
Royals captain Riyan Parag’s bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, picking wickets at regular intervals to keep CSK under pressure. Ravindra Jadeja, returning to the Royals, struck twice in his opening over, signalling a successful comeback. Sooryavanshi, 15, displayed his rare talent in full flight, racing to a 15-ball fifty, including a spectacular six over point off New Zealand pacer Matt Henry and a couple of towering sixes off spinner Noor Ahmad.
Dropped by Kartik Sharma in one punishing over, he made CSK pay immediately, turning the contest decisively in Rajasthan’s favour. His innings helped the Royals reach 74 in the powerplay, effectively sealing the game. Opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (38* off 36) played a measured role, letting Sooryavanshi dominate, while Parag (14* off 11) joined later to finish the chase in 12.