Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to dominate IPL 2026 Eliminator by ex-BCCI selector – IPL 2026: Kris Srikkanth Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Shine in Eliminator
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A Pivotal Clash in Mullanpur
The stage is set at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, as the IPL 2026 playoffs reach a boiling point. The Rajasthan Royals, having fought their way into the fourth spot, are scheduled to lock horns with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in a must-win Eliminator match. With the stakes at their absolute highest, all eyes are on the young batting phenom, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Srikkanth’s Strategic Outlook
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has publicly backed the Rajasthan Royals to come out on top, despite the immense quality residing within the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth offered a 55-45 prediction in favor of the Royals, highlighting the tactical advantages they possess. While he acknowledged that SRH looks like the superior side on paper, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of the Royals and the immense talent of their top order.
“I believe it’s 55-45 to RR,” Srikkanth stated. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t score in the last match, and he has that fire. Usually, if he fails in one game, he performs in the next. If he and Jaiswal set the tone, that’ll be enough for RR, with Jurel batting very well. If Archer bowls two deadly deliveries and removes Head and Abhishek, he can finish you off in the powerplay itself.”
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL 2026 season by storm. His aggressive brand of cricket has captivated audiences, leading to widespread calls for his inclusion in the national squad. As the Rajasthan Royals’ leading run-scorer this season, he has amassed a staggering 583 runs. His average of 41.64 combined with a blistering strike rate of 232 highlights his ability to dismantle any bowling attack. With three fifties and a century to his name, along with a record-breaking 53 sixes by an Indian batter in a single season, Sooryavanshi has cemented his reputation as the premier young talent in the tournament.
The Challenge of the Orange Army
Despite his confidence in the Royals, Srikkanth was quick to praise the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He pointed out that SRH’s middle order, featuring stars like Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, has arguably been the most consistent component of the entire league. “On paper, SRH are a gun side and the far superior side. They have as dangerous a batting side as RCB. But RCB scores in a more collective manner. Yet, RR is a funny and dangerous side. We can’t underestimate RR,” Srikkanth added.
The Road to the Final
The journey to the Eliminator has been anything but smooth for the Rajasthan Royals. After a blistering start—winning their first four matches—the team faced a mid-season slump, losing six out of eight games. However, a spirited comeback in their final two league-stage matches secured their place in the playoffs with 16 points, while SRH finished third with 18 points. The winner of this clash will move on to Qualifier 2 to face the Gujarat Titans on May 29, with the final awaiting the eventual winner at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. With the Royal Challengers Bengaluru already securing their spot in the final, the remaining teams know that every delivery in the coming matches is vital.
Conclusion
As the cricket world turns its attention to Mullanpur, the narrative is clear: if the Rajasthan Royals are to keep their championship dreams alive, the performance of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be paramount. Whether he can bounce back from his recent outing against Mumbai Indians to deliver a match-winning performance remains the most tantalizing question heading into Tuesday’s Eliminator.
