Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the biggest stage with a blistering 97 from just 29 deliveries in Rajasthan Royals' IPL eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 15-year-old smashed 12 sixes, including three consecutive hits off Australia captain Pat Cummins, before falling short of Chris Gayle's fastest century record. He reached his fifty in 16 balls but was caught attempting the single six needed to break the record.

Sooryavanshi's seventh six in the fourth over shattered Gayle's season record of 59 maximums, propelling him to the top of this year's run-scorers' list. Opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal provided support with 25 from 20 balls as Royals raced to 125-1 after eight overs. India legend Sunil Gavaskar praised the innings as 'a knock to remember and savour' during commentary.

After his dismissal, Sunrisers Hyderabad mounted a remarkable comeback to restrict Royals to 243-8. The home side failed to hit a six in the final 31 balls of their innings after reaching 192-2 in the 14th over, showing how Sooryvanshi's exit shifted momentum.

The teenager's explosive batting has electrified this IPL season and positioned him as the tournament's leading run-scorer. At just 15, he has already broken records held by West Indies great Gayle and announced himself as cricket's next big phenomenon.