Chris Gayle reacts after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaks his six-hitting record, hailed as ‘Universe Baby Boss’

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most destructive batters the IPL has ever seen, with the teenage sensation now threatening records that once appeared untouchable.

Sooryavanshi produced another breathtaking display on Thursday night, hammering a stunning 97 off just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad to power Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2. The innings once again showcased his extraordinary ability to dominate elite bowling attacks despite his age.

During the knock, Sooryavanshi smashed 12 sixes, taking his season tally to 65 and surpassing a long-standing IPL record held by Chris Gayle. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star had struck 59 sixes during the 2012 season, a benchmark that had stood unbeaten for more than a decade.

The youngster’s fearless strokeplay and remarkable ball-striking have turned him into one of the most feared batters in the tournament this year.

He also came agonisingly close to breaking another iconic record — the fastest century in IPL history. That record still belongs to Gayle, who reached his hundred in 30 balls, while Sooryavanshi fell just three runs short after racing to 97 in only 29 deliveries.

His dismissal triggered widespread reaction across the cricketing world, with many believing he was moments away from rewriting another chapter of IPL history.

Even Gayle himself acknowledged the teenager’s brilliance.

“What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! New Six machine,” Gayle wrote on X after the match.

From teenage prodigy to IPL superstar

Sooryavanshi first grabbed attention last season when he smashed a 35-ball century on his IPL debut, instantly announcing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.

But this season, the Rajasthan Royals batter has elevated his game to an entirely different level.

Beyond the explosive hitting, what has impressed observers most is the consistency with which he has dismantled bowling attacks throughout the tournament.

Sooryavanshi currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 680 runs from 15 matches. He has averaged 45.33 while maintaining a staggering strike rate of 242.85 — numbers rarely achieved even by the greatest T20 power-hitters.

His fearless approach and relentless six-hitting have naturally drawn comparisons with Gayle, the legendary “Universe Boss” who revolutionised T20 batting.

Fans and experts have now begun referring to Sooryavanshi as the “Universe Baby Boss,” a nickname that reflects both his age and his growing status as a possible successor to Gayle’s legacy in the format.

With Rajasthan Royals chasing a second IPL title, much will now depend on the teenager’s form as they prepare to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.

At the moment, Sooryavanshi is not just breaking records — he is redefining what a 15-year-old can achieve on cricket’s biggest franchise stage.