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Which Teams Bid For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In IPL Auction Before RR Bought Him? – The Untold Story: Who Fought Rajasthan Royals for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Mahira Ali · · 4 min read
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The Meteoric Rise of a T20 Phenomenon

In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), identifying talent before it fully blooms is the ultimate hallmark of a successful franchise. Rajasthan Royals (RR) have proven their scouting prowess once again with the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Bihar-born youngster has not only captured the imagination of cricket fans globally but has fundamentally shifted the perception of how the shortest format of the game can be dominated.

Standing at the crease with the confidence of a seasoned veteran, Sooryavanshi has recently come agonizingly close to shattering historical records. During the high-pressure environment of the IPL Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, smashing a 29-ball 97. While he narrowly missed out on eclipsing Chris Gayle’s legendary 30-ball century record, his performance cemented his status as a game-changer.

The Auction Room Drama: Who Challenged Rajasthan?

The path to becoming an RR star began at the IPL 2025 mega auction. With a base price of INR 30 lakhs, the young batter was seen as a strategic investment for teams looking to rebuild their cores with future-proof talent. Contrary to what many might expect for a player of his current caliber, the bidding war was surprisingly focused.

Delhi Capitals (DC) were the first to show intent, raising the paddle early for the youngster. This initiated a direct confrontation between the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals. The tension in the auction room was palpable as the two franchises traded bids, reflecting a shared recognition of the boy’s immense potential. Ultimately, the Rajasthan Royals, backed by the strategic vision of Hemang Badani and his management team, secured the services of Sooryavanshi for INR 1.10 crore.

Why Delhi Capitals Stepped Away

As the bidding pushed past the one-crore mark, Delhi Capitals ultimately decided to withdraw. For Rajasthan Royals, the decision to press forward was based on a calculated desire to bolster their batting lineup, which already boasted established stars such as Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma. By securing Sooryavanshi at this price point, RR managed to land a high-reward asset while remaining fiscally responsible; in fact, he ranked as the fifth most affordable player among the 20 recruits brought in during the 2025 cycle.

Building a Legacy: From Under-19 to IPL Heroics

Sooryavanshi’s arrival at RR wasn’t a stroke of luck, but the result of a consistent upward trajectory. Following his initial entry into the IPL ecosystem in 2025, where he showcased glimpses of brilliance with a 37-ball century and several impactful cameos, he dedicated himself to international age-group cricket. His performances in the Under-19 Asia Cup and the 2026 Under-19 World Cup—where he amassed 439 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 169.50—proved that his success was no fluke.

Statistically Unstoppable

The 2026 IPL season has seen Sooryavanshi evolve into a destructive force. Consider his current statistical standing:

  • Strike Rate: Leading the tournament with a blistering 242.85 from 15 matches.
  • Six-Hitting Ability: He currently holds the record for the most sixes in a single T20 tournament, officially surpassing the previous benchmarks set by T20 titans like Chris Gayle.
  • Consistency: Averaging 45.33 with one century and four half-centuries to his name.
  • Orange Cap Contender: His relentless scoring, highlighted by a 12-six haul in a single Eliminator match, has placed him firmly in the race for the prestigious Orange Cap.

As the cricket world continues to watch his development with bated breath, it is clear that Rajasthan Royals’ investment has paid dividends far exceeding the auction price. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just a young player with potential; he is currently one of the most valuable assets in the IPL, proving that the best discoveries are those made before the rest of the world catches on.