Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reclaims Orange Cap as Rajasthan Royals Hand Punjab Kings First Defeat of IPL 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reclaimed the top spot in the Orange Cap standings, becoming the first player to surpass 400 runs in the IPL 2026 season. His quick-fire 43 off 16 balls set the foundation for the Rajasthan Royals to secure a six-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings. Rajasthan chased down a daunting 223-run target, handing Punjab their first defeat of the tournament.

Punjab Kings Post Imposing Total

Batting first, Punjab Kings posted 222/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Marcus Stoinis anchored the final overs with an unbeaten 62 off 22 deliveries. Prabhsimran Singh provided the early platform, scoring 59. Despite setting a high total, the PBKS bowling attack failed to defend the score in the final five overs.

Rajasthan Royals Complete Record Chase

Rajasthan’s chase began with aggressive stroke play from Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a rapid 51 off 27 balls. The match temporarily shifted when Yuzvendra Chahal claimed three quick wickets for Punjab. Facing mounting run-rate pressure, Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey constructed an unbeaten 77-run partnership off exactly 32 balls, finishing the match in 19.2 overs.

IPL 2026 Orange Cap Standings

Sooryavanshi’s latest innings extends his lead at the top of the run-scoring charts, officially tracked by the BCCI. He currently maintains a strike rate exceeding 238, separating him from other top-order batters in the league.