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WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026

Zayn Kapoor · · 3 min read
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An Unexpected Crossover: WWE Meets IPL 2026

The world of cricket often produces moments that transcend the sport, but few could have predicted a high-profile endorsement from the squared circle of WWE. Drew McIntyre, a titan of professional wrestling, has officially joined the growing fan club of Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. As the IPL 2026 season reaches its dramatic climax, this celebrity backing has added a layer of excitement to an already charged atmosphere.

The Chosen One Endorses the Rising Star

McIntyre took to social media to share a video of himself in a Rajasthan Royals jersey, specifically sporting the name ‘Sooryavanshi’ on the back. The clip features the WWE star engaged in an intense weightlifting session, signaling his physical commitment to his newfound cricket allegiance. He captioned the post with a simple yet powerful two-word phrase: ‘Chosen One’—a moniker he has carried throughout his illustrious wrestling career since his 2009 debut.

This gesture did not go unnoticed by the Rajasthan Royals camp. The franchise’s official handle responded with a simple ‘Certainly’, acknowledging the star power now firmly behind their youthful batting prodigy. Even RR captain Riyan Parag joined the conversation, expressing his excitement by referencing the popular WWE 2K video game series and his familiarity with iconic wrestling maneuvers like the ‘Future Shock DDT’.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Breakout Sensation

The hype surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not merely manufactured; it is rooted in statistics that border on the surreal. While he initially captured the attention of the cricketing world as a breakout talent in 2025, his 2026 campaign has cemented his status as perhaps the most explosive batsman in the league.

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The numbers behind his season are nothing short of phenomenal:

  • Total Matches: 14
  • Total Runs: 583
  • Batting Average: 41.64
  • Strike Rate: A staggering 232
  • Milestones: 3 fifties and 1 century
  • Power Hitting: 53 sixes hit, placing him just seven shy of the all-time record for a single IPL season.

These figures demonstrate a level of consistency and aggression rarely seen in a player of his age, making him the centerpiece of Rajasthan’s pursuit of their second IPL trophy.

High Stakes in the Eliminator

The support from McIntyre comes at a critical juncture. Rajasthan Royals finished the group stage in fourth position, setting up a high-stakes Eliminator clash against the third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match, scheduled at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, represents a do-or-die scenario.

For Rajasthan Royals, the path to the playoffs has been anything but conventional. After a strong start with four consecutive wins, the team faced a mid-season slump, losing six of their next eight encounters. However, a resilient finish, including back-to-back victories in their final group stage matches, secured their spot in the postseason without needing to rely on the results of other teams. The squad enters this clash with momentum, hoping that the ‘Chosen One’s’ endorsement serves as a good omen.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final

The winner of the Eliminator will advance to Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the formidable Gujarat Titans are waiting. Ultimately, the victor of that matchup will earn a ticket to the IPL 2026 final, set to be held in Ahmedabad on May 31. Whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can lead the Royals to glory remains to be seen, but with the backing of WWE royalty and a season of record-breaking performances, the young batter is certainly the man to watch.

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As cricket fans prepare for the intensity of the Eliminator, one thing is certain: the buzz around Sooryavanshi has reached global proportions, proving that talent of his magnitude knows no borders—even those between the wrestling ring and the cricket pitch.

Zayn Kapoor

Zayn Kapoor is a senior cricket correspondent for The Indian Express, acclaimed for his incisive coverage of the sport’s most electric rivalry: India versus Pakistan. An alumnus of Hindu College, University of Delhi, he began his career on the domestic circuit before quickly establishing himself as a sharp analyst and a gifted storyteller. Zayn’s work is defined by his ability to bridge two cricketing cultures; his features often explore the shared histories, mutual admiration, and occasional tensions that make India‑Pakistan contests unrivalled. He has a deep technical grasp of fast bowling and has interviewed some of the greatest pacers from both sides of the border. A recipient of the Sardar Hazara Singh Award and a regular face on television panels, Zayn brings nuance, empathy, and a historian’s eye to every piece he writes. He is also a passionate advocate for preserving cricket’s oral histories and grassroots traditions.