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For the first time in five matches across two seasons (including the ongoing one), Rajasthan Royals’ teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi saw a 50-plus score from him go in vain.
And this was no ordinary fifty. It was a hurricane 103 off just 37 balls — his fifth 50-plus IPL score. Ending up on the losing side against Sunrisers Hyderabad despite that effort would have hurt. But the focus now shifts quickly to the next challenge.
Shot at an elite company
The upcoming match also offers the 15-year-old a place in an elite list of players who have scored back-to-back IPL hundreds.
A century would see him join:
Virat Kohli (2023)
Shubman Gill (2023)
Jos Buttler (2022)
Shikhar Dhawan (2020)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. File Pic/PTI
Runs vs balance debate
There will be the usual chatter about bowlers having little chance in the current high-scoring phase of T20 cricket. But the excitement Sooryavanshi has generated suggests fans are not complaining — they want more.
Chandigarh challenge
Sooryavanshi will be up against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on April 28. The last time he faced them, he hammered a 15-ball 40, including four sixes and four fours — an innings that underlined his ability to dominate attacks early.
Upcoming fixtures: Rajasthan Royals
April 28: Punjab Kings, New Chandigarh
May 1: Delhi Capitals, Jaipur
May 9: Gujarat Titans, Jaipur
May 17: Delhi Capitals, Delhi
May 19: Lucknow Super Giants, Jaipur
May 24: Mumbai Indians, Mumbai
Upcoming fixtures: Rajasthan Royals
April 28 Punjab Kings, New Chandigarh
May 1 Delhi Capitals, Jaipur
May 9 Gujarat Titans, Jaipur
May 17 Delhi Capitals, Delhi
May 19 Lucknow Super Giants, Jaipur
May 24 Mumbai Indians, Mumbai
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