![Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: screengrab]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777536976413_VaibhavSooryavanshi.jpg?type=hq)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: screengrab]
The high-scoring cracker between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals this IPL 2026 season was quite an eventful one. For starters, the Rajasthan Royals franchise pulled off a historic 223-run chase against the table-toppers in front of the latter’s home crowd in New Chandigarh.
Even outside the boundary ropes, the match garnered much attention, albeit an unwanted one when Royals skipper Riyan Parag was spotted live on camera ‘vaping’ inside the dressing room. It appears that the match also sparked another viral moment, with claims surfacing that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was caught abusing on camera.
Here, we take a look at the authenticity of the viral claim and whether Sooryavanshi was actually abusing in a live game or the incident was misinterpreted by fans.
Did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi abuse on camera in IPL 2026?
During the Rajasthan Royals innings against the Punjab Kings in match number 40 of the IPL 2026 season earlier this week, young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was seemingly spotted blurting out a slur that conveniently rhymes with England’s Ben Stokes.
The incident occurred when the 15-year-old was sitting in the dugout alongside the rest of his teammates.
Also Read- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Issues Official Statement On AI Chip In Bat Accusations
However, a closer look at the footage suggests that the audio is unclear and inconclusive, and Sooryavanshi might not have used abusive language at all. Moreover, some fans even believe that the cricketer said “Bhai Shot” instead, which would even make sense considering one of his teammates had just struck a boundary.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Donovan Ferreira and Jaiswal lay out the foundation of RR win
As it happened, Punjab Kings batted first and mounted 222-4. Opening batter Prabhsimran Singh compiled 59 off 44 balls, and captain Shreyas Iyer struggled to get going in his 27-ball 30. Cooper Connolly minted 30 from 14 deliveries, while fellow hard-hitting Australian Marcus Stoinis blasted 62* from 22 balls with four fours and six sixes to provide the slog overs fury for the hosts.
In response, Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got his team off to a flier with an attacking 43 off 16 balls. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal charted a sizzling half-century, cracking 51 off 27 balls with seven boundaries and a six.
Donovan Ferreira (52* off 26) and Shubham Dubey (31* off 12) landed the finishing blow as Rajasthan Royals blazed past Punjab’s 222 with six wickets and four balls to spare.
Rajasthan Royals lone team to defeat PBKS, to face Capitals
The Rajasthan Royals is now the only team this IPL 2026 season so far to have beaten the Punjab Kings franchise. With six wins and just three defeats in nine matches, they are comfortably placed fourth on the 10-team points table.
The Rajasthan Royals will now face Delhi Capitals in match number 43 of the tournament on Friday, May 1. The match will be hosted by the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Rajasthan and the action will commence from 7:30 PM IST onwards.
