Xplorich
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may not have featured in the IPL 2026 final, but the 15-year-old ended the season as one of its undisputed stars.As Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad on Sunday to defend their title, Sooryavanshi dominated the post-match awards ceremony, collecting a host of individual honours after a record-breaking campaign.However, it was his candid admission on stage that stole the spotlight.After being named the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2026, the teenage opener admitted he was feeling nervous while speaking at the presentation ceremony.“It feels good but I feel a bit under pressure having to give the interview,” Sooryavanshi said, drawing smiles from the audience.A season to rememberThe youngster enjoyed a phenomenal breakthrough campaign, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at a staggering strike rate of 237.30.His fearless batting transformed Rajasthan Royals’ fortunes and made him one of the most talked-about players of the tournament.The numbers were equally impressive. Sooryavanshi finished as the highest run-scorer of the season to claim the Orange Cap, comfortably staying ahead of Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and teammate Sai Sudharsan.He also shattered bowling attacks throughout the tournament, smashing 72 sixes and consistently scoring at a breathtaking pace.Reflecting on his rapid rise, the youngster showed maturity beyond his years.“How to play each game, you can’t play every game the same way. If I have to stay injury free I have to work on my fitness. Everyone is very supportive. All senior players, support staff, everyone backs me and it’s a good atmosphere,” he said.Awards galore for RR wonderkidThe MVP award was only one of several honours collected by Sooryavanshi on the final night of the season.In addition to the Orange Cap, he was named Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season for his astonishing strike rate of 237.3, and Super Sixes of the Season after clearing the ropes 72 times.Although Rajasthan Royals fell short of reaching the final after losing to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, Sooryavanshi’s performances ensured the franchise remained in contention until the final week of the tournament.For a player who is only 15, IPL 2026 was a season of records, awards and unforgettable innings. Yet amid all the accolades, it was his honest confession about feeling nervous during the interview that perhaps revealed the teenager behind the superstar.
