New Delhi: Hardik Pandya was left in awe as Rajasthan Royals (RR)’s young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi proved his mettle against the Jasprit Bumrah-led Mumbai Indians (MI) bowling attack in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Tuesday. Sooryavanshi smashed a blistering knock of 39 runs off 14 balls to help RR beat MI by 27 runs in the rain-curtailed game at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
In what was the 15-year-old’s first test against Jasprit Bumrah, Sooryavanshi passed with flying colours. The duel was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the much-awaited contest between the two teams. Sooryavanshi showed no signs of nerves as he smashed Bumrah for a six on the very first ball he faced from the premier Indian pacer, who is arguably one of the best in the world at present.
The 15-year-old didn’t stop there and hit another six in the same over to continue in his usual fearless, swashbuckling style. Sooryavanshi took the MI bowlers to the cleaners to help RR get off to a flying start in the game, which was reduced to an 11-overs-a-side contest after rain played spoilsport. The young sensation hammered 39 off 15 balls, laced with five sixes, before getting dismissed by Shardul Thakur.
Hardik Pandya’s heartwarming gesture for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Hardik won hearts with his heartwarming gesture for the teen sensation after his fearless knock against the Mumbai Indians. The MI skipper took time out to congratulate Sooryavanshi over his performance and was spotted giving him a pat on the back while appreciating him for his terrific knock. Pandya’s gesture was praised by many on social media.
Hardik Pandya appreciating Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his heroic performance ❤️ pic.twitter.com/joSo9CfHfq
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 7, 2026
Speaking after the match, Hardik lauded Sooryavanshi for his fearless approach and sublime skills at such young age. The MI skipper said he was fascinated by the 15-year-old, who has taken the IPL by storm and contiues to wow fans, his teammates and opposition players with his unreal hitting prowess.
“It’s quite fascinating to see a 17 or a 16 year old boy playing the way he played. At the same point of time, we discussed so much about him in the preparation leading up to the game,” Hardik said after the game, lauding Sooryavanshi.
“So yeah, amazing to see the way he bats, the kind of fearlessness he has, the kind of shots he has. I wish him absolute good luck in the future,” he added.
🚨 Hardik Pandya on Vaibhav Suryavanshi crange
Hardik Pandya – We hadn’t any play to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, he is went out of syllabus guy and played really very well
Also he wishes to Vaibhav to bright future pic.twitter.com/JVB38K9GdV
— Cricket Academy (@CricketAcademy0) April 7, 2026
Talking about the game, Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in the rain-affected clash to bag their third win in a row in IPL 2026. RR rode on Sooryavanshi’s 14-ball 39 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant 77-run knock to post a mammoth total of 150/3 in just 11 overs.
In reply, MI batters failed to keep up with the required run rate and succumbed under pressure as the visitors were restricted to 123/9 in 11 overs. RR won the game comprehensively to continue their stellar run in the tournament under skipper Riyan Parag.