Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the toast of the recent IPL 2026 game, where Rajasthan Royals (RR) hosted the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 19, 2026. RR was captained by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the absence of Riyan Parag, and he won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Mitchell Marsh (96)and Josh Inglis (60) gave LSG a fiery start, adding 109 runs in 8.2 overs. After Inglis fell, Nicholas Pooran also followed him soon for 18 runs. But then Rishabh Pant and Marsh got together and took on the RR bowlers.
Pant made 35 in 23 balls, while Marsh was run out in the last over, 4 short of his second century this season. They helped LSG put on 220/5 on the board.
In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went after the target in full flow. Jaiswal fell for 43 in 23 balls with 8 fours and 1 six, but then Dhruv Jurel joined Sooryavanshi and added 105 runs for the second wicket.
Sooryavanshi made 93 in 38 balls with 10 sixes and 7 fours before his dismissal. Jurel then continued on and made 53* with 3 sixes and 3 fours, to take RR to a 7-wicket win. With this victory, RR moved to 4th spot in the IPL 2026 points table with 14 points from 13 games.
Sooryavanshi was the Player of the Match and also got the Orange Cap back for most runs in the tournament. He was praised by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka.
When Sooryavanshi was giving an interview for the IPL website, he noticed that LSG head coach and former Australia opener Justin Langer was approaching him. He paused the interview and received a request from Langer for a photo.
Sooryavanshi humbly accepted and posed with the Aussie legend for a photo before resuming the interview.
“Hang on a second,” Sooryavanshi told the broadcaster before turning his attention towards Langer as the former Aussie opener walked towards him. “Can I get a picture?” he asked, which Sooryavanshi gladly acknowledged, “Yes, sir, please”. After a warm handshake, Langer said, “I’m going to treasure that photo”.
Sooryavanshi said it was a proud occasion for him and acknowledged that he feels much more confident when he interacts with coaches, previous players, and experienced cricketers.
“I’ll try and hit more sixes in the upcoming games as well. We all decided to keep doing what we were doing. And enjoy the moment without feeling any pressure. Play good cricket. And focus on the strengths, which is what we want for the next game too. We’re trying not to focus on the qualification scenario. It’s there in everyone’s mind, but we’re trying to be better every day,” Sooryavanshi pointed out.
