In a game of power-hitting and fearless intent, this was the spirit of the game Bhuvneshwar Kumar It was as excellent as his batting talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The veteran Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler had every reason to be disappointed after being sidelined by the 15-year-old, but instead, he decided to appreciate the youngster’s exceptional performance.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar heartily praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi’s explosive inning of 78 off just 26 balls in Guwahati led Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a stunning win and even the opposition couldn’t stop themselves from praising his approach. Speaking after the match, Bhuvneshwar admitted that Kishore’s innings was based on skill rather than luck, highlighting his shot-making quality.
“The way he is hitting shots – he is not playing hard, he is playing proper cricket shots. For a 15-year-old kid, he is very mature. He deserves all the credit for the way he is batting.” Bhuvneshwar said in the press conference after the match.
It was a statement that shows not only respect but also a deep understanding of the game. For a bowler of Bhuvneshwar’s experience, recognizing the difference between reckless hitting and calculated stroke play added weight to his praise.
Age becomes irrelevant in T20 cricket
While the cricket world is left wondering at Suryavanshi’s age, Bhuvneshwar made it clear that once a player takes the field, it is the performance that really matters. Despite being dismissed by someone almost half his age, the veteran fast bowler said T20 cricket levels the playing field.
“It’s a T20 game. Yes, he is young, but he is batting very well and very mature. We never feel that anyone is ruining us. If a 15-year-old can bat like that, whether he is a 25-year-old or a 15-year-old, it is part of T20 cricket.” he explained.
His words capture the essence of modern T20 cricket, where fearless batting and quick decisions often outweigh experience. For Bhuvneshwar, it was not about who he was facing – it was about how well that player executed his skills.
Suryavanshi’s innings was a perfect example of this mentality. Instead of being intimidated by the occasion or the bowlers, he played with clarity and confidence, taking every ball on merit. His ability to choose the length early on and execute the shots cleanly made even experienced bowlers look ordinary.
Also read: IPL anchor Sahiba Bali Samay comes in support of Raina after the release of ‘Still Alive’
Suryavanshi’s stormy performance helps RR seal impressive win over RCB
Kishore’s innings was not just impressive – it was match-defining. Chasing a challenging score of 202, RR needed a strong start and Suryavanshi did exactly that. He completed his half-century in just 15 balls, his second attempt this season, and continued his dream run in IPL 2026.
His innings, filled with eight fours and seven sky-high sixes, set the stage for the chase at the very beginning. Along with Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten on 81 off 43 balls, they put together a breathtaking partnership of 108 runs off just 37 balls. The duo took RR to 97/1 in the powerplay – their highest ever powerplay score in IPL history.
Earlier in the match, RCB made a remarkable comeback after being reduced to 94/6 thanks to captain Rajat Patidar’s fighting knock of 63 runs in 40 balls. Their total of 201/8 looked competitive, but Suryavanshi’s onslaught ensured it was not enough.
RR eventually chased down the target with ease, Work completed with two overs remaining. The win not only extended their unbeaten streak to four matches, but also cemented their position as one of the most impressive teams in the tournament so far.
As far as Suryavanshi is concerned, his performances have already made him one of the standout players of IPL 2026. With 200 runs in just four matches, he has reached the top of the Orange Cap standings, further underlining his impact.
