Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to dominate IPL 2026 Eliminator by ex-BCCI selector – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Backed by Kris Srikkanth to Shine in IPL 2026 Eliminator

A High-Stakes Showdown in Mullanpur

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. With the stakes at their absolute peak, both teams are vying for a spot in Qualifier 2, where the Gujarat Titans await the winner. While the competition remains fierce, all eyes are on the Rajasthan Royals’ teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Srikkanth’s Strategic Outlook

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the matchup, offering a compelling analysis on his YouTube channel. Despite SRH finishing higher on the points table with 18 points compared to RR’s 16, Srikkanth has tentatively tipped the Rajasthan Royals as slight favorites, assigning a 55-45 edge to the inaugural champions.

Srikkanth emphasized the importance of the powerplay and the impact of the Royals’ key players. “I believe it’s 55-45 to RR. 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,” Srikkanth remarked.

The Phenomenon of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL by storm, transforming from a promising prospect into arguably the most explosive batter of the 2026 season. His statistics are nothing short of extraordinary. Currently standing as RR’s highest run-scorer, Sooryavanshi has amassed 583 runs with an impressive average of 41.64. Most notably, he boasts a strike rate of 232, a figure that highlights his fearless approach to the crease.

His season highlights include three half-centuries and a spectacular century, proving he has the temperament for big matches. Furthermore, he has shattered records by hitting 53 sixes, setting a new benchmark for an Indian batter in a single IPL campaign. It is this record-breaking form that has prompted fans and experts alike to call for his inclusion in the senior Indian national squad.

The SRH Challenge

Despite his support for RR, Srikkanth did not shy away from acknowledging the strength of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He described the ‘Orange Army’ as a formidable side on paper, particularly praising their middle-order depth. “On paper, SRH are a gun side and the far superior side. They have as dangerous a batting side as RCB… SRH’s real plus is Kishan and Klaasen. Their Nos. 3 and 4 are too strong and have been the best in the competition,” Srikkanth noted.

The Road to the Final

The journey to the playoffs has been anything but smooth for the Rajasthan Royals. After a dominant start winning their first four games, the team hit a mid-season slump, losing six out of eight matches. A gritty performance in the final stages of the league phase—culminating in two crucial wins—secured their fourth-place finish.

As the tournament reaches its climax, the pressure on every player will be immense. The winner of this Eliminator will travel to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29. The ultimate prize, a spot in the IPL 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, remains the target for both franchises. With the Royal Challengers Bengaluru already awaiting their opponent in the final, the path for RR or SRH is clear: win, or go home.

As cricket fans look toward Tuesday’s clash, the narrative is clear: if Sooryavanshi can rediscover his explosive touch, the Rajasthan Royals will have every chance of continuing their resurgence and marching toward the final.