Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to dominate IPL 2026 Eliminator by ex-BCCI selector – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Backed by Kris Srikkanth to Shine in IPL 2026 Eliminator
The High-Stakes Clash at Mullanpur
The stage is set for a gripping encounter in the IPL 2026 playoffs. The Rajasthan Royals, having battled through a turbulent season to secure the fourth spot, are now set to face the third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator. The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur will host this decisive battle, where one side’s journey will conclude, and the other will earn a ticket to Qualifier 2.
For the Rajasthan Royals, the path to the playoffs was far from linear. After a scorching start that saw them win their first four matches, the team hit a mid-season slump, losing six out of their next eight games. However, a spirited resurgence in the final stages of the league phase allowed them to crawl back into contention, finishing with 16 points. They now face an SRH squad that finished with 18 points, setting the scene for an intense showdown.
Srikkanth’s Tactical Outlook
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the matchup, suggesting a 55-45 advantage in favor of the Rajasthan Royals. While many analysts might lean toward the consistency of the Orange Army, Srikkanth believes the unpredictability of the Royals, paired with the hunger of their young stars, could prove decisive.
“I believe it’s 55-45 to RR,” Srikkanth noted on his YouTube channel. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t score in the last match, and he has that fire. Usually, if he fails in one game, he performs in the next. If he and Jaiswal set the tone, that’ll be enough for RR, with Jurel batting very well. If Archer bowls two deadly deliveries and removes Head and Abhishek, he can finish you off in the powerplay itself.”
The Sooryavanshi Phenomenon
At the center of the conversation is 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose emergence has been the most captivating story of IPL 2026. Despite a quiet outing against the Mumbai Indians in the final league match, Sooryavanshi remains the highest run-scorer for the Royals this season. His statistics are nothing short of remarkable: 583 runs at an average of 41.64, coupled with an extraordinary strike rate of 232.
His ability to clear the ropes has been a nightmare for opposition bowlers, as evidenced by his record-breaking 53 sixes—the highest tally by an Indian batter in a single IPL season. This explosive form has sparked widespread calls for his inclusion in the national set-up, as the teenager continues to defy expectations and age-related limitations.
Acknowledging the SRH Threat
Despite his optimism for the Royals, Srikkanth was quick to concede that the Sunrisers Hyderabad boast a terrifying batting lineup. He characterized the SRH side as “gun” on paper, suggesting that their middle order—specifically their No. 3 and No. 4 positions—is arguably the strongest in the tournament.
“SRH are a gun side and the far superior side. They have as dangerous a batting side as RCB,” Srikkanth explained. “Their real plus is Kishan and Klaasen. Their Nos. 3 and 4 are too strong and have been the best 3 and 4 in the competition.”
What Lies Ahead
The winner of the Eliminator will move on to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29, with a spot in the May 31 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on the line. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already secured their place in the final, leaving the rest of the field to fight for the remaining berth. As RR prepares to take the field, all eyes will be on whether the young brilliance of Sooryavanshi can overcome the tactical depth of the Sunrisers in what promises to be a classic high-pressure encounter.
