Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has quickly become one of the most discussed young players in cricket, and he’s starting the 2026 IPL with a really determined aim. Along with a clear goal for his team, Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi has stated plainly that he wants to go beyond Chris Gayle’s IPL best score of 175.
Sooryavanshi’s goal and what Gayle’s 175 means
Chris Gayle’s 175 is still a major achievement in T20, a really forceful innings in the 2013 IPL which changed what people thought was possible in power hitting. Gayle’s 175 came off 66 balls – with 13 fours and 17 sixes – and in the same game, he got the fastest IPL hundred, getting to 100 in 30 balls.
When asked at the BCCI Naman Awards, Sooryavanshi chose that 175 as the record he’d most like to break. He said he’d rather do that than hit six sixes in one over, or get the fastest IPL century, which shows he’s set on making long, powerful innings.
A great start in his first season and almost the fastest century
In his first IPL, Sooryavanshi really made an impact, with a brilliant hundred against Gujarat Titans. He got his century in 35 balls, and finished with 101 from 38 balls. This became the fastest IPL century by an Indian player, beating Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball record from 2010.
That 35-ball achievement showed Sooryavanshi can mix real strength with knowing what the game needs. He almost matched Gayle’s fastest-century mark, and that’s why people – analysts and fans – now think he could really try to beat some of the IPL’s longest-held records in 2026.
Doing well in the U19 World Cup and the confidence for the 2026 IPL
Sooryavanshi took excellent form from the U19 World Cup into the IPL. He was India’s top scorer, and second-best overall in the tournament, getting 439 runs in seven games at a very good strike rate, and an average of over 60.
He was at his best in the final, hitting 175 off 80 balls against England in the championship game. That innings showed he can make large scores when there’s pressure on, which is very important when you’re trying to break records in a difficult league like the IPL.
Things that will affect a bid for Gayle’s record
A number of things will decide if any batsman can get close to 175. Where a player bats, and how many overs are left, are very important, as are the pitch and the size of the boundary. The opposing team’s bowling, the situation in the match, and the team’s plans will also affect the chance to play a long, forceful innings.
Sooryavanshi has a high strike rate, natural power, and isn’t afraid to take risks. If Rajasthan Royals let him play a long game, and the match situation allows, the things needed to make a historic score could come together in the 2026 IPL.
What Rajasthan Royals want to do, and what to expect in the 2026 IPL
Sooryavanshi has made winning the IPL with Rajasthan Royals his main goal for 2026. This attitude of putting the team first is good for the atmosphere in the dressing room, and gives a sensible balance to his personal ambitions.
From a tactical point of view, the Royals management will have to balance looking after a young star, and letting him use his attacking game. Good rotation of players, match planning, and help from older players can help Sooryavanshi grow into a leader who chases records, while also helping the team to win.
What will happen and what fans should look for this season
The 2026 IPL looks to be a really interesting season for people who follow records and the development of young players. See how often Sooryavanshi gets long chances to bat, how the captains use him, and how the bowlers try to stop his power hitting. His early career already looks like a plan for making a quick impact.
Whether he beats Gayle’s 175 or not, Sooryavanshi has the ability and the character to shape IPL stories for years. Expect aggressive play, high strike rates, and a lot of excitement every time he goes to the wicket.
