Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry photo)
New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals produced a stunning batting display as young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led them to a record start against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. Chasing 202, RR raced to 97/1 in the Powerplay, their highest ever total in the first six overs and one of the best in IPL history. Sooryavanshi, who was dismissed for 78 off 26, led the attack inside the powerplay with 57 off just 18 balls, while Dhruv Jurel backed him up with a quick 27 off 10 balls.
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The sixth round alone produced 24 runs, underscoring RR’s dominance.The effort placed RR among the best Powerplay results in IPL history, behind some explosive totals by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Highest Powerplay Totals In IPL
- 125/0 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
- 107/0 – SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad, 2024
- 105/0 – KKR v RCB, Bengaluru, 2017
- 2/100 – CSK v. BBKS, Wankhead, 2014
- 97/1 – RR v. RCB, Guwahati, 2026*
- 94/1 – SRH vs RR, Hyderabad, 2025
The aggressive approach ensured RR’s early control of the chase, putting enormous pressure on RCB’s bowling attack.Earlier, RCB had posted 201/8, largely thanks to a combative knock from skipper Rajat Patidar, who scored 63 off 40 balls. Coming in during the collapse, Patidar stabilized the innings and kept the scoreboard ticking despite wickets falling at the other end. Virat Kohli made a brisk start with 32 off 16 balls but fell while trying to accelerate.
RR’s spinners, led by Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi, collapsed the middle order, reducing RCB to 94/6 at one stage. Bishnoi’s differences proved crucial, while Brijesh Sharma impressed with his key achievements.However, a late surge from Impact Sub Venkatesh Iyer, who smashed 29 off 15 balls including a 21-run knock in the final over, pushed RCB past the 200-run mark. Despite the late brilliance, the total looked slightly below par on a surface that offers bounce but is also valuable for shots.In response, RR’s fearless powerplay, led by Sooryavanshi, decisively turned the game in their favour, scripting a memorable night and showcasing the arrival of a new batting star in the IPL.