Cricket or video game? Teen batter smashes 17 boundaries in 29 deliveries

NEW CHANDIGARH: Faced just 29 balls and smashed 12 sixes and five fours! This was not a video game performance, but the batting display of Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL Eliminator. Even a bowling attack led by world-class pacer and Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins had no answer to the fearless 15-year-old batter.

Vaibhav hammered 17 boundaries in just 29 deliveries before falling for a breathtaking 97, caught by Praful Hinge at deep third man. The teenager missed a deserved century by only three runs. Despite the standing ovation from teammates, opposition players, and fans, Vaibhav walked back visibly disappointed after missing the landmark. His face reflected the frustration of getting out so close to what would have been one of the most memorable centuries in IPL history.

The explosive knock also helped Vaibhav create a new IPL record for the most sixes in a single season, surpassing the previous mark held by former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle. At 97 off just 28 balls, Vaibhav was attempting to complete what could have been the fastest century in IPL history with another six. However, the young batter was dismissed while trying to clear the boundary once again.