Former India captain Anil Kumble thinks that teen phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can surpass Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL season because of his temperament and range.
The Rajasthan Royals defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets on Tuesday, extending Sooryavanshi’s incredible IPL 2026 run with yet another spectacular exhibition of power hitting.
With 53 sixes already this season, the 15-year-old opener is only six shy of Gayle’s legendary record of 59 maximums in a single IPL season.
“He has already hit 53 sixes this IPL season. Chris Gayle holds the record for most sixes in a season with 59. RR have one more league game and then the playoffs. If they win, he will get more chances. I can see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breaking Gayle’s record and making history,” PTI quoted Kumble telling Star Sports.
“(A) very few batters can hit sixes over cover with such ease. But Sooryavanshi did it multiple times against Digvesh Rathi. I am glad people still have words to describe such talent. I am running out of my own vocabulary. This kid is very special.”
“What stands out even more is his mindset. Every time he speaks, he sounds mature beyond his years. That is crucial at this age, especially with all the attention and praise coming his way,” the legendary spinner said.
According to Kumble, Sooryavanshi is ready for a long career because of his grounded approach in spite of the increasing buzz surrounding him.
“He understands that this is just the start. He said it himself after the match: ‘This is the start of my journey. If my journey is long enough, I will create a few of these records,'” Kumble noted.
Kumble also acknowledged Yashasvi Jaiswal’s support to Sooryavanshi in adjusting to the chase.
“In a chase of 220, winning the powerplay is crucial. RR needed a flying start, but Sooryavanshi began a little cautiously. That is when Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up. He took on the bowlers and scored 43 quick runs,” Kumble said.
“Once Sooryavanshi got his eye in, the game changed. He started finding the gaps and clearing the boundaries with ease. It allowed Sooryavanshi to play himself in without worrying about the run rate and once he was set, he tore the bowling attack apart.”
