Fifteen-Year-Old Sooryavanshi Scores Third-Fastest IPL Century in Cricket History
Mumbai, 25 April 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has rewritten cricket records at just 15 years old, smashing a spectacular 103 runs off 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. His 36-ball century ranks as the third-fastest in IPL history, achieved through explosive hitting that included 12 sixes and 5 fours. The teenage sensation, who turned 15 last month, has now reached four T20 centuries in just 26 innings—faster than any other player in men’s cricket. His remarkable knock helped Rajasthan Royals post 231 runs, with Sooryavanshi contributing over half the team’s total before being dismissed in the 14th over. The left-handed batsman is reportedly being considered for India’s T20I tour to Ireland in June, which could make him the youngest player to represent the country internationally.
A Record-Breaking Performance at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur witnessed history on Saturday, 25 April 2026, as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a batting masterclass that left cricket enthusiasts spellbound [1]. The young left-hander reached his century in just 36 balls, placing him third on the all-time IPL list behind only the fastest centuries in the tournament’s history [2]. His explosive innings featured 12 towering sixes and 5 crisp boundaries, showcasing a maturity and power-hitting ability that belies his tender age [3]. The innings began with characteristic aggression, as Sooryavanshi reached his half-century in a mere 15 balls—a feat he had accomplished earlier in the season as well [3]. Pat Cummins, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad after winning the toss and electing to bowl first, watched helplessly as the teenager dismantled his bowling attack [2].
Breaking Records Across Formats
Sooryavanshi’s achievement extends beyond just IPL boundaries, as he has now scored four T20 centuries in just 26 innings—the fastest any player has reached this milestone in men’s T20 cricket [1]. This remarkable strike rate surpasses established stars like Usman Khan (33 innings), B Sai Sudharsan (72 innings), Chris Gayle (77 innings), and Michael Klinger (88 innings) [1]. The teenager’s belligerent hitting also made him the youngest player to reach 1,000 T20 runs, adding another feather to his cap [3]. His knock was eventually ended when he was dismissed for 103 off 37 balls, caught in the blockhole, with Rajasthan Royals standing at 171 for 3 in 13.4 overs [1]. The timing of his dismissal proved crucial, as the remaining batters managed only 87 runs off 65 balls, highlighting Sooryavanshi’s dominant contribution to the team’s total [1].
Building on Previous Heroics
This century represents the continuation of an extraordinary season for the 15-year-old, who has consistently tormented bowling attacks across the IPL [3]. Earlier in the 2026 campaign, he smashed a 26-ball 78 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, followed by a devastating 17-ball 52 against Chennai Super Kings and a quickfire 14-ball 39 against Mumbai Indians [3]. The teenager has shown no signs of being overawed by reputation, taking on world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah—whom he memorably struck for a six on the first ball he faced—and Josh Hazlewood with remarkable composure [3]. His fearless approach has drawn comparisons to cricket legends, with former World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth describing him as potentially ‘the next demi-god of cricket,’ drawing parallels to Sachin Tendulkar’s early emergence in 1989 [3].
International Recognition Beckons
The young sensation’s remarkable performances have not gone unnoticed by national selectors, with reports suggesting he is likely to be picked for India’s T20I tour to Ireland in June 2026 [3]. Should this selection materialise, Sooryavanshi would become the youngest player ever to represent India internationally, marking another historic milestone in his rapidly ascending career [3]. His return to IPL action in 2026 came with heightened expectations following his explosive 80-ball 175 in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph in February, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages [3]. The left-hander’s consistency across formats and his ability to deliver under pressure suggest that his inclusion in the senior squad would be based on merit rather than mere potential. As Rajasthan Royals currently sit second in the IPL 2026 table with 10 points and a net run rate of +0.790 after winning five of seven matches, Sooryavanshi’s contributions have been instrumental in their strong campaign [2].