Watch: Hardik Pandya’s sweet gesture towards Vaibhav Suryavanshi goes viral after RR vs MI IPL 2026 match

A brilliant performance from Vaibhav Suryavanshi stood out in a thrilling IPL 2026 clash as the Rajasthan Royals secured a convincing 27-run victory over the Mumbai Indians.

The 15-year-old left-hander dominated the early proceedings, scoring 39 runs off just 14 balls. Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal (77), he put together an 80-run opening partnership, helping RR post 150/3 in 11 overs despite a rain-delayed start. In response, the Mumbai Indians managed only 123/9.

Even MI captain Hardik Pandya was left impressed by the young sensation. After the match, Pandya personally congratulated Suryavanshi, shaking his hands and giving him a warm chest tap as a gesture of encouragement, highlighting the respect the teenager earned on the field.

Watch the video here:

Hardik Pandya Praises Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Hardik Pandya has become a fan of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and sought him out after the game to congratulate him. The two-time T20 World Cup winner not only shook the youngster’s hand but also gave him a friendly chest tap as a gesture of encouragement. Vaibhav smiled, clearly humbled to receive praise from a legend of the shortest format. The moment reflected true sportsmanship from Hardik, showing that players are only opponents on the field.

The 32-year-old captain also praised Vaibhav in his post-match comments. He said, "It's quite fascinating to see a 17 or a 16-year-old boy playing the way he played. At the same point of time, we discussed so much about him in the preparation leading up to the game."

He added, "So yeah, amazing to see the way he bats, the kind of fearlessness he has, the kind of shots he has. I wish him absolute good luck in the future."

See also -Watch: Rajasthan Royals post a rare video of Vaibhav Suryavanshi showing respect to IPL bowlers

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Explosive Start in IPL

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise in cricket continues, and he keeps improving as he grows older. He turned 15 on March 27, making him legally eligible to play for India, though it is not yet clear when that will happen. His journey has only just begun, and he is going about it the right way.

After rain reduced the match to 11 overs, the Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bowl first. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryavanshi opened the innings for Rajasthan Royals and attacked the bowlers from the very first ball. Jaiswal scored 22 runs in the first over, bowled by Deepak Chahar.

India star Jasprit Bumrah bowled the second over, but the young Suryavanshi matched his partner ball for ball. He hit a six on the first delivery and followed it with another massive six over deep square leg, giving Bumrah 14 runs in the over.

Jaiswal then welcomed Trent Boult with three consecutive sixes, as the pair raced to 59 runs in just 3.2 overs, making the start look like a highlight reel. Next, Shardul Thakur conceded two sixes and a four to Suryavanshi before Tilak Varma caught the youngster at deep extra cover, ending his explosive cameo.

Fans React to Hardik Pandya’s Sweet Gesture Towards Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Fans have been full of praise for Hardik Pandya’s heartwarming gesture towards Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the match. Many admired how the MI captain personally congratulated the 15-year-old, shaking his hand and giving him a friendly chest tap. Social media was filled with comments highlighting the respect and encouragement shown by Hardik, with fans calling it a true example of sportsmanship and mentoring in cricket.