IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Hardik Pandya applauds Vaibhav Suryavanshi with a special gesture after RR vs MI match

He Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver high-octane drama, and the 13th match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati was no exception. On April 7, 2026, fans witnessed an 11-on-11 sprint in the rain between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). While the score reflected a clinical victory for the Royals, the postgame footage captured a moment of pure sportsmanship that transcended the rivalry.

Hardik Pandya shows his heartfelt admiration for Vaibhav Suryavanshi after RR vs MI game

In the high-pressure world of the IPL, rivalries are often intense, but the post-match handshakes offered a refreshing spectacle. As the players lined up, Hardik Pandya searched for the young sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In a viral moment, Pandya didn’t just offer a standard handshake; He patted the teen’s chest with a warm smile, a “special gesture” of validation for the young man’s fearless blitzkrieg earlier that night.

During the post-match presentation, Pandya expressed his admiration for the 15-year-old.

“It’s quite fascinating to see a 16 or 17 year old kid play the way he played. At the same time, talking about him so much in the pre-game preparation. [is surreal]. So yeah, it’s amazing to see the way he bats, the kind of bravery he has, the kind of shots he has. I wish you absolute good luck in the future.—Hardik commented.

Suryavanshi’s cameo knock of 39 runs off just 14 balls, with two fours and five towering sixes, set the tone for the Royals. His strike rate of 278.57 left the Mumbai players searching for answers and forced the opposition captain to admit that the teenager was the main focus of their pre-match tactical meetings.

Here is the video:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed Hardik Pandya 😎 🩷

Batting esi karo ki….opposition bhi respect of 🫡🩷 pic.twitter.com/XS5hTWSrIX

— Sonu Jaat • Cricket (@TheSonuJaat) April 8, 2026

Also WATCH: Tilak Varma’s spectacular catch at the boundary removes Vaibhav Suryavanshi during RR vs MI clash

RR crushed MI in rain-shortened 11-over shootout

The match itself was a whirlwind of boundaries and wickets. After rain delayed the start and reduced the contest to 11 overs a side, the Rajasthan Royals batsmen came out with a clear license to thrill. Opening the entrances, Yashasvi Jaiswal showed why he is one of the most dangerous T20 openers in the world, smashing an unbeaten 77 off just 32 balls, with 6 fours and 10 towering sixes.

Jaiswal was ably supported by the young Vaibhav Suryavanshiwho scored 39 runs off 14 deliveries (including 2 fours and 5 sixes) at a strike rate of 278.57. His explosive opening stand of 80 runs propelled RR to a daunting 150/3. Mumbai’s bowling struggled under the attack, with Shardul Thakur However, he conceded 36 runs in his 2 overs. AM Ghazanfar He managed to recover two wickets.

In response, Mumbai Indians’ chase never found its rhythm. Chasing a target of 151 (a required rate of 13.72), MI lost wickets at catastrophic intervals. Jofra Archer and Nandré burger hit early, eliminating ryan rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav within the first two overs. Sandeep Sharma claimed the precious scalp of Rohit Sharma (5) through an LBW who survived a DRS challenge.

Although Sherfane Rutherford provided a late spark with a quickfire 25 off 8 balls, the mountain too high to climb. MI finished their 11 overs at 123/9, falling short by 27 runs. The RR bowling unit, led by Sandeep (2/6) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/25), ensured the Royals remained at the top of the table, while Jaiswal rightfully won the Man of the Match award.

Also WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi welcomes Jasprit Bumrah with impressive six during RR vs MI clash in IPL 2026