India’s teenage prodigy helped Rajasthan defeat Chennai Super Kings in the IPL for their third IPL win in half a century.
Published March 31, 2026
Days after turning 15, Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi found the perfect way to celebrate as he smashed a 15-ball half-century in a commanding eight-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.
Suryavanshi, who had a brilliant debut season with a 35-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans last year, completed his first fifty of the season in just 15 balls. This is the third time in his eight IPL career that he has scored over 50 balls.
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Along with fellow opener and Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryavanshi sliced through Chennai’s attack in the powerplay, leading his team to 74 runs without conceding a run.
Suryavanshi shared a blistering 75-run hit with Jaiswal and was dismissed on 52 balls after bowling 17 balls, including five sixes and four fours. Chasing the winning target of 128, Rajasthan clinched victory in just 12.1 overs.
“We are thinking about defense, but we were keeping the opponents to low scores, so the plan was to decide the game with the power play,” Sooryavanshi said.
“If the bowlers had bowled well in the powerplay, the game could have turned in their direction, but we gave it our all in the powerplay.”
The U-19 World Cup winner praised Rajasthan coach Kumar Sangakkara and his staff for supporting his attacking instincts.
“They told me to read the situation well and back up my play,” he added.
Rajasthan’s quick chase was followed by a fine bowling effort. Their attack took Chennai to 41-4 at the end of the powerplay, putting the visiting side firmly on the back foot before being dismissed for 127 in 19.4 overs.
South African pace bowler Nandre Berger led the way with 2-26 and was named Player of the Match, while Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja also picked up two wickets each.
Rajasthan will play Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Saturday while Chennai will take on Punjab Kings on Friday.
