Talk about announcing yourself on the big stage! In a rain-shortened IPL thriller in Guwahati, fifteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi did the unthinkable, smashing his very first ball in professional cricket—bowled by none other than Jasprit Bumrah—for a massive six over long-on.
Facing one of the world's most feared fast bowlers would unnerve most veterans, but the Rajasthan Royals opener, already a hot topic after last season's breakout, showcased breathtaking audacity. After that stunning first blow, he took a single before depositing his third ball from Bumrah over square leg for another maximum, racing to 13 runs off just five deliveries from the Indian superstar.
Suryavanshi's blistering 39 off 14 balls, which also included sixes off Trent Boult and Shardul Thakur, set the foundation for a formidable total. He combined with the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hammered an unbeaten 77 from 32 deliveries, in a devastating 80-run opening stand that powered the Royals to 150-3 in their 11 overs.
Mumbai Indians' chase never found its footing, stumbling early as Jofra Archer struck in the first over. Despite a late flurry from Sherfane Rutherford, they fell 27 runs short, finishing on 124-9. This commanding victory sends the Rajasthan Royals to the top of the table with a perfect three-win record, while the struggling Mumbai Indians sit seventh after consecutive losses.