PBKS vs RR IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has enjoyed one of the most impressive starts to his cricket career in recent memory, and given his rapid rise, the youngster could soon become a household name in Indian cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and then Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? It's highly plausible. Sooryavanshi's emergence has also elevated the Rajasthan-based franchise among the tournament's most recognized teams. Despite winning the first edition, RR lacked the fanfare of teams like the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With players such as Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, they had star power, but Sooryavanshi's impact on the team's popularity is unmatched. Rajasthan secured him for Rs 1.1 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, and this investment has delivered exceptional results.
Some wonder what would occur if Sooryavanshi enters the auction again. He may not only become the most expensive player in history but could also be the first to exceed Rs 30 crore. The Rajasthan franchise aims to retain him, as ex-England fast bowler Stuart Broad has cautioned that Sooryavanshi isn't bound by contract and, if given a choice, may pursue opportunities with other teams, potentially joining the Mumbai Indians.
“Fair play to Rajasthan Royals’ scouting and academy system, whatever they have done. I remember when they signed him at the auction – he was 14, maybe even 13 – and I thought it was a bit odd for top-flight domestic cricket to bring in someone so young. I wondered if they were going to keep him around the squad for three years, and I even questioned the point of it, because it’s not like you can sign him to a 10-year contract; he could always leave for the Mumbai Indians,” Stuart Broad was quoted as saying to the 'For the love of cricket' podcast.
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Shifting focus to his teammates, Buttler appreciates Sooryavanshi's style.
Buttler, who recently told Sooryavanshi he admires his batting, stunned the cricketing world with his praise. Sooryavanshi has dominated bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, hitting first-ball sixes against each, a rare feat. The Indian cricket team has discovered a talent and a crowd-puller, and Buttler's endorsement reinforces this perception.
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“He is only 15, yet plays with the aggression of prime Chris Gayle or Virender Sehwag—those legends were 30 or 35 at their peak. Sooryavanshi consistently punishes bowlers. He is electrifying. When Rajasthan is playing, I feel compelled to watch to see him bat. He exited first ball against Sunrisers in the previous game—risk comes with fearless cricket—then returned next time to score a hundred against them,” Jos Buttler was quoted as saying to the same podcast.