Guwahati: Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli won admiration off the field with a touching gesture for Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their IPL 2026 clash.

The moment, which has since gone viral on social media, highlighted the respect and encouragement shared between players across generations, even in a fiercely competitive tournament like the Indian Premier League.

Kohli’s message for young star goes viral

Following the match, Sooryavanshi approached Kohli for an autograph.

The former India captain signed the youngster’s Rajasthan Royals cap and penned a short but meaningful message.

“Dear Vaibhav, well done,” Kohli wrote, a gesture that quickly captured the attention of fans online.

The interaction showcased Kohli’s sportsmanship and his willingness to acknowledge emerging talent, especially after witnessing Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary performance firsthand.

Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock powers RR

The 15-year-old prodigy delivered a sensational innings, scoring 78 runs off just 26 deliveries to guide Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over RCB.

Chasing a challenging target of 202, Sooryavanshi ensured that RR remained in control throughout the innings with his aggressive stroke play. His knock included eight boundaries and seven sixes, underlining his fearless approach at the crease.

He was well supported by Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten on 81 off 43 balls, as the duo dismantled the RCB bowling attack.

Orange Cap holder at just 15

With this innings, Sooryavanshi surged to the top of the run charts and claimed the IPL 2026 Orange Cap, amassing 200 runs in just four matches.

His consistency and ability to dominate bowling attacks at such a young age have made him one of the standout performers of the season.

Captain Parag praises young sensation

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag heaped praise on the youngster, describing him as a lively and much-loved member of the team.

“I think everyone loves him. Everyone loves having him around.

He enjoys simple things like food and going out. We make sure he gets what he needs, and he’s happy. He loves batting, and as long as he keeps performing like this, everything will fall into place,” Parag said during the post-match presentation.

Parag’s comments highlighted the supportive environment within the team, which has allowed Sooryavanshi to flourish without pressure.

A moment beyond competition

Kohli’s gesture, coming right after a defeat, stood out as a reminder of the values that define cricket beyond just results. Acknowledging a young opponent’s brilliance reflects the spirit of the game and the importance of mentorship.

For Sooryavanshi, receiving praise from one of the modern greats of cricket is likely to be a memorable milestone early in his career.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s simple yet heartfelt message to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has resonated widely with fans, symbolising encouragement and mutual respect in cricket. Coupled with his match-winning performance, the moment has further elevated Sooryavanshi’s growing stature in IPL 2026.

As the tournament progresses, the young star’s journey will continue to draw attention, with support and recognition from legends like Kohli only adding to his confidence and promise.