Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 52 off just 17 balls powered Rajasthan Royals to a convincing eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 opener at the ACA Stadium. Sooryavanshi’s fifty in 15 deliveries, the third fastest in IPL history, set the stage for RR’s triumph. His aggressive innings, featuring four fours and five sixes, guided RR to 74 without loss during the power-play, securing a comfortable win.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) calmly finished the chase with 47 balls to spare after Sooryavanshi’s departure, wrapping up a comprehensive performance that began with a disciplined bowling display to restrict CSK to 127. RR got off to a flying start with Matt Henry’s opening over conceding 18 runs, as Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal capitalized on loose deliveries.
Khaleel Ahmed’s lbw appeal against Sooryavanshi was overturned, and Jaiswal provided steady support as Sooryavanshi continued his aggressive approach. Sooryavanshi’s onslaught continued in Henry’s second over, with boundaries flowing from his bat. Noor Ahmad’s introduction failed to halt Sooryavanshi’s assault, as he raced to a blistering fifty off just 15 balls.
Sooryavanshi’s innings was cut short at 52 when he attempted a big shot but was caught brilliantly by Sarfaraz Khan. Dhruv Jurel added quick boundaries before falling to Anshul Kamboj, while Parag and Jaiswal ensured a comfortable victory for RR. Jaiswal’s six and winning single sealed the emphatic win for Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2026 campaign opener.
