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When Australia starts watching: How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became IPL 2026's global breakout star
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, delivered a record-setting IPL performance in Jaipur, including a 36-ball century and five straight sixes. Pat Cummins called him his new favourite player, signaling a global breakout beyond his on-field milestones.
Why It Matters
The attention from an opposing captain and widespread praise from top players suggests the emergence of a new global cricket sensation, redefining expectations for young talents in the IPL.
Timeline
5 Events
Global breakout framed by captain's praise
April 25, 2026
The article frames Sooryavanshi's global breakout around the reaction of established players, particularly Cummins, rather than solely on statistics and records.
Ashwin praises Sooryavanshi
April 25, 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin praised the prodigy, saying he can climb the leaderboard, hit the first ball for six, and reverse sweep as well, highlighting Vaibhav's talent and game awareness.
Cummins praises Sooryavanshi as new favourite player
April 25, 2026
Pat Cummins, returning from injury and captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad, praised Sooryavanshi, calling him his 'new favourite player' and noting that 'He hits the ball so hard, it's great to watch'.
Sooryavanshi's 36-ball century and five sixes
April 25, 2026
In Jaipur, the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit five sixes in a row off the last four balls of Praful Hinge's over, then struck Pat Cummins on the last ball of the second over. He finished with a 36-ball century, the third-fastest in IPL history.
Pre-match: Sooryavanshi writes '100' on team bus
April 25, 2026
Before the Jaipur IPL match, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had written '100' on the team bus window, a symbolic pre-match gesture that he later fulfilled on the field.