When RR hosted MI in Game 13 of IPL 2026, the duel everyone wanted to see was Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs Jasprit Bumrah. The rising star of Indian cricket vs the world's best bowler.
At one point it seemed unlikely that play would happen due to rain but the game was reduced to 11 overs per side. When MI opted to field, everyone was waiting in anticipation of the much-awaited battle within the game.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Battle vs Jasprit Bumrah
The face-off happened in the 2nd over as Vaibhav took guard and Bumrah ran in to bowl. The first ball was swatted away by the 15-year-old for six. Bumrah only smiled at the rare treatment he got. Vaibhav took a single the next ball and was back on strike with Yashasvi Jaiswal ran one run after that. The third ball he faced from Bumrah was also dispatched into the stands and this time Bumrah had no reaction as there was not much he could do or say.
© X/IPL
Kid Dominates the Veteran
Vaibhav had just plundered 13 runs from three balls. The next two were dots and the two never faced each other again in the innings. Bumrah had bowled five deliveries to Vaibhav and was carted for 13 runs. That meant Vaibhav had a strike rate of 260 vs Bumrah, which is just amazing. This was the first time they faced in the IPL and the kid dominated the veteran.
RR Overwhelm MI
It was a pretty ordinary day for Bumrah as he finished with 0/32 in three overs. Vaibhav, on the other hand, slammed 39 from 14 balls with one four and five sixes. The southpaw had an opening partnership of 80 with Jaiswal (77) to help RR amass 150/3 in 11 overs. MI never got close and finished with 123/9. RR have now won three out of three and are at the top of the points table while MI with one win and two losses are in seventh place.
When Will Vaibhav Suryavanshi Play for India
As far as Vaibhav is concerned, this is another sign that the kid is ready to play with the big boys. His graduation into senior cricket was pending because of his age but he turned 15 on March 27 and as per ICC rules, is eligible to play for India. When and if that happens, it remains to be seen.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Impressive IPL Numbers
The youngster has made 374 runs in 10 IPL innings from 10 games. He averages a healthy 37.40 and has an explosive strike rate of 218.71. The young man has one 100 and two 50s with a personal best of 101. Vaibhav is the youngest IPL centurion and youngest to play in the tournament. If he gets better with age, he will be unstoppable by the time he is in his 20s. The current phase could well be a sign of things to come.