Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s sensational performances in the Indian Premier League have not only enthralled fans in India but have also aroused admiration across the border in Pakistan. The 15-year-old batsman, who took IPL 2026 by storm, is now being talked about by some of Pakistan’s most prominent cricketing voices, with a popular TV personality joking that the youngster might have an “AI chip” embedded in his bat.

Suryavanshi has shown no signs of second-season blues in the tournament, and has continued his fearless brand of batting with remarkable consistency. In just his first eight matches of the season, the talented teenager has already scored 357 runs and established himself as one of the breakout stars of the competition.

His fearless strokeplay, range of shots and composure against some of the best bowlers in the world has amazed many. They also included well-known Pakistani TV anchor and cricket analyst Nauman Niaz, who could not stop praising the youngster during a discussion on the show Smashhit.

“Think about it. What is this kid? Check his bat. Like WADA does dope tests, send him to the lab. He probably used an AI chip in his bat. He is unreal. What a player,” Niaz said while reacting to Vaibhav’s batting.

Niaz explained what makes the teenager so special, and revealed that his game is based more on timing and technique than brute strength.

He said, “When you are 18 years old, your body is developing muscles, biceps and triceps. He is just 16 years old. He was born when Virat Kohli was the world champion. He doesn’t have the power game as much as he has the technique. He is a wrist player, also, if you look at this arc, he used a full 360 degrees.”

How quickly is appreciation reflected? Suryavanshi has become one of the most talked about young cricketers in world cricket. At an age when most players are still trying to make it into the junior teams, Vaibhav has been dominating one of the toughest T20 leagues in the world and earning praise from rival cricket nations as well.

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File photo: Preity Zinta and Yuzvendra Chahal (X Photo)

New Delhi: Punjab Kings are the team to beat in the ongoing IPL 2026, having won six of their seven matches so far and are on top with 13 points. They remain the only undefeated team this season, with their only points falling due to a rain washout against Kolkata Knight Riders at the start of the campaign.PBKS is currently sitting comfortably at the top with a three-point lead over its nearest rivals. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals occupy the remaining playoff spots, all with 10 points each and are separated only by net run rate.After the record chase against Delhi Capitals, the PBKS co-owner and actor Preity Zinta – Constant presence in the stands – Social media was used to interact with fans. “Today suddenly seems like the perfect day for #PeezChat! Ask questions guys,” he posted on X.What happened next was a viral moment, thanks to the veteran PBKS spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Responding to Zinta’s impromptu conversation, Chahal made a funny request: “Ma’am if I get a chance to open bat in a match,” along with a laughing emoji. The playful plea immediately caught the attention of fans online.

However, despite the team’s dominance, Chahal has faced a tough season on the field. In six innings of seven matches, he has managed to take only four wickets, with his best performance being 2 for 28 and an economy rate of 9.76. In fact, PBKS bowlers have produced relatively modest returns overall, with Arshdeep Singh leading the way with seven wickets in seven innings, leaving him 27th in the race for the Purple Cap.The team’s success has been largely due to its batsmen. Prabhsimran Singh has been in great form, scoring 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 192.61. captain Shreyas Iyer Has been equally impressive with 279 runs at an average of 69.75 and strike rate of 186. Meanwhile, Priyansh Arya (254) and Cooper Connolly (240) also feature in the top 15 in the Orange Cap standings, underscoring PBKS’ batting dominance this season.

Rajasthan Royals opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a prank on two young fans at an airport and told them that he would charge Rs 100 for a picture. RR shared the video on their social media platforms as the 15-year-old continues to grab attention during IPL 2026.

In the clip, two children approach Suryavanshi for a photograph. He doesn’t refuse them, but says he won’t pose for free.

In the video, Suryavanshi says, “Brother, I take the money. I am telling you honestly right now brother. I will take Rs 100.”

The fans then return with Rs 200 to take pictures with him, before Suryavanshi breaks character and tells them it was all part of a prank. Then he gets some pictures clicked with them.

Suryavanshi on fire IPL 2026

The off-field moment came amidst a strong performance for Suryavanshi in IPL 2026. In RR’s recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored his second IPL century off 36 balls, the third fastest in the history of the competition.

This innings was also praised by SRH captain Pat Cummins.Who said that he was impressed by Kishore’s batting.

Cummins said, “I think he’s my new favorite player. He hits the ball so hard, it’s great to watch. It’s good fun.”

“As a bowler you have to be right on the money. If you are not, it will go a long way. It is impressive. He has had a great start to his career, and yes, I like the way he plays. He takes the game forward.”

Suryavanshi has so far scored 357 runs in eight matches at an average of 44.63 and strike rate of 234.87. This season he has hit 31 fours and 32 sixes. He will next be in action for RR when they take on PBKS in Mullanpur on April 28.

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Angkrish Raghuvanshi discussing with the umpires (PTI photo)

New Delhi: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point for violating the IPL code of conduct during the match against Lucknow Super Giants. The incident occurred after he was given out for obstructing fielding. Upset with the decision, Raghuvanshi hit the boundary cushion with his bat and threw his helmet in frustration.