Cricket News

RCB’s New Owner Seen Around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Jay Shah Watches

Zayn Kapoor · · 3 min read
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A Star-Studded Final in Ahmedabad

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, May 31, was nothing short of electric as the IPL 2026 season reached its climactic final between the Gujarat Titans and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Among the thousands of fans, several high-profile figures were spotted in the VIP boxes, drawing significant attention from spectators and cameras alike. Most notably, RCB’s New Owner Seen Around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Jay Shah Watches the proceedings, creating a buzz regarding the future of the league and the young batting sensation.

The Presence of Cricket Powerbrokers

The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals opener, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, found himself in distinguished company. The young prodigy, who has taken the cricketing world by storm, was seen engaged in a conversation with ICC Chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Adding to the intrigue was the presence of Kumar Mangalam Birla, one of the primary owners and key stakeholders of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. The sight of such influential figures surrounding the teenage talent fueled speculation and excitement about his career trajectory.

Also present in the same row was former BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, underscoring the importance of the event. For Sooryavanshi, this gathering was more than just a social occasion; he was at the venue to likely collect the prestigious Orange Cap, an award he secured following the dismissal of Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan earlier in the match.

A Historic Milestone for Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the conversation of league giants is a testament to his record-breaking season. At just 15 years and 65 days old, he is set to become the youngest cricketer in IPL history to claim the Orange Cap. His performance throughout the 2026 campaign has been nothing short of astronomical.

  • Total Runs: 776
  • Batting Average: 48.50
  • Strike Rate: 237.30
  • Record: One century and five fifties
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His consistency in the latter half of the tournament was particularly impressive, featuring three scores of 90 or more in his final four innings, including a gritty 96 off 47 balls during the second qualifier in New Chandigarh. His ascent has been rapid, and his presence alongside the RCB hierarchy has certainly caught the imagination of the cricket fraternity.

RCB’s Dominance in the Final

While the off-field discussions were intense, the on-field action remained the primary focus. Royal Challengers Bengaluru dominated the early stages of the final after winning the toss and electing to bowl. The RCB bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dismantled the Titans’ top order, ensuring that the hosts were restricted to a modest total of 155-8.

Rasikh Salam was the standout performer with the ball, claiming exceptional figures of 3-27. Krunal Pandya also contributed significantly, conceding just 23 runs in his four overs and taking the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler. For the Gujarat Titans, Washington Sundar provided some late resistance, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls to give his side a target to defend.

In their pursuit of the title, RCB showed clear intent, moving to 62-1 within the opening five overs. With momentum firmly on their side, the Bengaluru franchise stands on the cusp of history, aiming to become only the third team in the history of the Indian Premier League to successfully retain their title. As the game reached its conclusion, all eyes remained on the unfolding drama, both on the pitch and in the VIP stands where the future of the sport seems to be taking shape.

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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.