Virat Kohli and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Screengrab/X)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again lit up IPL 2026 with a sensational knock against RCB in Guwahati, earning the Orange Cap along with a heartfelt note from Virat Kohli.In one of the most electrifying performances of IPL 2026, 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a breathtaking knock to power Rajasthan Royals to a memorable win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10. Playing at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the teenage sensation smashed 78 off just 26 balls, laced with 8 fours and 7 sixes, as RR chased down a daunting target of 202 with two overs to spare.With this innings, Sooryavanshi not only sealed a match-winning performance but also surged to the top of the run-scoring charts, claiming the Orange Cap in IPL 2026. Sooryavanshi’s innings was a fearless exhibition of power-hitting and composure far beyond his years. Taking on experienced RCB bowlers from the outset, he turned the chase into a one-sided affair.He brought up his half-century in just 15 balls, equaling the fastest fifty of the season, a record he had already set earlier against CSK, underlining his consistency in explosive starts.

A Special Moment with Virat Kohli

The night became even more memorable for the youngster when Virat Kohli acknowledged his brilliance. After the match, Kohli gifted Sooryavanshi an autographed cap with a heartfelt message: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.” Kohli wrote on the Royals cap. Powerplay Carnage Sets the ToneThe foundation of RR’s dominant chase was laid in the powerplay, where Sooryavanshi’s aggression left RCB stunned. Rajasthan Royals raced to 97/1 in the first six overs, the highest powerplay score in the franchise’s IPL history, with the youngster dismantling both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Sooryavanshi found strong support in Dhruv Jurel, who played a composed yet impactful unbeaten knock of 81. The duo stitched together a 108-run partnership in just 37 balls, effectively taking the game away from RCB and ensuring there were no late hiccups in the chase. With the win Rajasthan Royals sits at the top of the table with 4 wins in 4 matches.

MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming (PTI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has brushed aside suggestions that he hasn’t received enough credit for the franchise’s success, instead choosing to spotlight the contributions of players and long-time captain MS Dhoni for success of the franchise. Fleming, who has been at the helm since 2009 after featuring as a player in the inaugural IPL season, has overseen one of the most successful eras in franchise cricket. Under his guidance, CSK have lifted five IPL titles and two Champions League trophies. However, following a string of underwhelming performances in IPL 2026, his role has come under scrutiny. Addressing the criticism ahead of CSK’s fourth match of the season, still searching for their first win, Fleming remained grounded.“It’s actually purely the players,” Fleming said ahead of CSK’s fourth clash of the IPL 2026 season in the quest for their maiden win.He further acknowledged the influence of Dhoni, calling himself fortunate to have worked alongside one of the game’s greatest leaders.“For me, it just gives us another year of coaching. And it’s always been the case. The players do it. The coaching off the field is really important, but the performances on the field win titles. And, yes, we play a part in the fitness of players, the performance of players, the mental state of players, but ultimately the coaches are judged on the players. I’ve worked with one of the greatest captains of all time, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do that as a coach. So, look, it’s not lost on me, and I’m proud of the results, but it’s not something that I crave or desire to get accolades for.” he added. “Criticism Is Fair”: Fleming responds to questions over T20 ApproachFleming also rejected claims that his coaching methods in T20 cricket have become outdated. While accepting that results haven’t gone CSK’s way recently, he emphasized his continuous involvement across global leagues. Currently associated with Super Kings franchises in multiple tournaments, Fleming said his year-round coaching and player analysis keep him deeply connected to the evolving nature of T20 cricket.“Criticism is fair when you don’t do well – that’s part of the job, that’s part of the position. Look, I’m coaching throughout the year and two other competitions, and I’m doing auctions across a lot of players. So it’s not that I just turn off and then come to the IPL without an idea of where the game is going. In fact, it’s the other way.” he admitted.He pointed out that CSK’s ongoing transition phase, with several new players in the squad, has required time to settle, something other teams may not be dealing with to the same extent.“We just need a bit of confidence and evidence, which comes from winning. We haven’t been too far off.”Referencing their previous outing, Fleming noted that despite posting a strong total of 210, execution with the ball at the death cost them the game.”We weren’t as accurate with the ball towards the end, but we still managed 210. So, look, it’s a really good sign that we’re working very hard and we’re well aware, I’m well aware, and the criticism is appropriate. So, we just have to work harder and find a way forward. But I do feel in touch with the game,” Fleming saidFleming praises Dewald Brevis, keeps selection call openFleming also spoke highly of young South African talent Dewald Brevis, though he remained non-committal about his availability for the upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals.“I think to have worked out his game at such a young age, he obviously got opportunities early and then he dropped off as he was working out how he wanted to play. I’m sure there was a lot of advice during that time, but he’s now come out of that cycle with a real clarity as to the way he wants to play. It’s aggressive, it’s very skillful and it’s becoming consistent. So, we value his inputs really highly. He’s been a big miss since the start of the season. So, if he is right for this game, he’ll be a nice addition.” he concluded.