IPL 2026 has belonged to Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 15-year-old is the highest run-getter with 680. He holds the Orange Cap and has at least one more game if not two to consolidate his spot.
But now his fame has spread even wider. It's reached the WWE Universe.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Has a New Fan
Even before his epic 29-ball 97 vs SRH in the Eliminator, Vaibhav was hailed as the 'chosen one' by Drew McIntyre. The WWE superstar posted a video on Instagram where he was working out wearing an RR jersey with Vaibhav's name on it. He captioned it 'Chosen One'. RR reponded by saying 'Certainly'.
© X/IPL
A Young Man Breaking Records
At only 15, Vaibhav has achieved a lot. He narrowly missed Chris Gayle's IPL record for the fastest IPL 100 but broke the one for most sixes in a season. He does hold the 2nd and 3rd fastest IPL 100s and is the youngest to hit an IPL century.
See the Video
Check out the video of Drew working out wearing a jersey with the teenager's name on it:
Can RR Win IPL 2026?
RR face GT on May 29 in Qualifier 2 after defeating SRH in the Eliminator by 47 runs. If they win vs GT, the side they lost to in the 2022 final, their 2nd summit clash after winning the 2008 edition, then the inaugural winners will take on defending champions RCB in the final on May 31. If they win, they will have ended an 18-year title drought.
Records Beckon the Teenager
Suryavanshi has the chance to become the youngest Orange Cap winner (if he stays on top), IPL winner (if RR win) and 3rd player to win both Orange Cap and title in same season (if both happen). He could also be the 1st uncapped Orange Cap in IPL history after 18 years and 2nd ever. Will all these events happen? We shall know in a matter of days.