"A dream come true": Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opens up on special moment …

Young Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has spoken about his memorable interaction with Virat Kohli after the IPL 2026 season. The 15-year-old expressed his gratitude for the encouragement he received from the former India captain and described the meeting as a special moment in his young career.

Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30 during the IPL 2026 season. He won the Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player award. His first international assignment will begin with a two-match T20I series against Ireland, followed by a five-match T20I series in England.

It Felt Like a Dream Come True - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on Virat Kohli's Gesture

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi spoke about his interaction with Virat Kohli after the IPL 2026 season. The teenage batter said it was a special moment for him and added that receiving encouragement from a player he had always admired felt unreal. h-doctor.club

"When Virat Kohli bhaiya placed his hand on my shoulder like that, it actually felt like a dream come true for me," Vaibhav said in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals (RR) on X.

Inside Royals: The Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Interview. Tomorrow morning, 11 AM 💗 pic.twitter.com/K5Qtvj4Eo2

NewsEngland target RCB coach Andy Flower as Brendon McCullum's replacement in Tests: ReportAndy Flower is likely to become the next England National Cricket Team head coach for the Test as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has removed Brendon McCullum as the t...Open →

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 6, 2026

The moment came after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second straight IPL title. Although the Royals were eliminated in Qualifier 2, Sooryavanshi enjoyed a memorable season, winning the Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, and Most Valuable Player awards.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Eyes Multiple IPL Titles With Rajasthan Royals

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said that he wants to help Rajasthan Royals win several IPL titles in the coming years. The young batter admitted that individual awards would have felt even more special if the team had won the trophy.

"If we hadn't collapsed in the last match, I wouldn't be sitting and watching today. Getting all these things after winning... it would have been cherry on top. When will the second trophy come? Hopefully, not just the second trophy, will win second, third, fourth, and fifth one in the years to come."

Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to win the Orange Cap in IPL history during the 2026 season. He also hit a record 72 sixes, breaking the previous mark held by Chris Gayle.

I Want to Play Ted-Ball Cricket Because… - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Sooryavanshi said he wants to play all three formats for India and build a long international career. The young batter revealed that he regularly practices with the red ball and hopes to make a mark in every format of the game.

"I want to play red-ball cricket because I practice with the red ball. So, my dream is to play all three formats. I want to play in a way where it's not just about playing, but dominating for 10 or 20 years."

Sooryavanshi is currently touring Sri Lanka with the India A team to improve his red-ball skills. After the tour, he will join India's squad for the upcoming white-ball series in Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games.

Also read: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence after India T20I captaincy sacking and squad snub

The Indian Premier League 2026 concluded on a high note, with teams now shifting their focus to international assignments and preparations for the next season. While some franchises enjoyed successful campaigns, others struggled to find consistency throughout the tournament. Team combinations and form often forced management to make difficult selection decisions.

As a result, several players did not receive as many opportunities as they perhaps deserved. Despite limited game time, these players showcased enough potential to suggest they could have made a bigger impact had they been trusted with extended runs in the playing XI.

Here are team-wise one player who was underused:

Chennai Super Kings - Urvil Patel

Urvil Patel made a strong impression whenever he got an opportunity for Chennai Super Kings. The wicketkeeper-batter featured in only seven matches but scored 129 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 201.56. He also registered the joint-fastest fifty of the season. Given CSK's struggles in the middle order at times, Patel could have been utilised more frequently.

Delhi Capitals - Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma once again displayed his finishing abilities for Delhi Capitals. He scored 171 runs in eight matches while maintaining a strike rate of over 180. However, the hard-hitting batter often arrived too late in the innings and faced very few deliveries. More opportunities higher up the order could have allowed him to make an even bigger impact.

Gujarat Titans - Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar enjoyed a productive season with the bat, scoring 377 runs in 16 innings and playing several crucial knocks. Surprisingly, his bowling was not used consistently despite his reputation as a quality all-rounder. Sundar bowled in only five innings and managed one wicket, but he certainly deserved a longer run with the ball.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer's season was limited by a lack of opportunities. The left-handed batter played only seven matches and scored 209 runs, showing flashes of the aggressive batting that has made him a proven IPL performer. Had he been backed with a consistent run in the side, he could have easily crossed the 500-run mark.

Punjab Kings - Suryansh Shedge

Punjab Kings discovered a promising finisher in Suryansh Shedge. The youngster scored 158 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 175.55. However, he often came in during the final overs, leaving him with little time to influence the game. More time in the middle could have helped him produce even better numbers.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Saurabh Dubey

Saurabh Dubey impressed in his limited appearances for Kolkata Knight Riders. The left-arm pacer played only four matches but picked up five wickets while maintaining a respectable economy rate. Given KKR's bowling inconsistencies during parts of the season, Dubey could have been afforded more opportunities ahead of some regular options.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - Praful Hinge

Praful Hinge emerged as one of the surprise packages for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The pacer claimed 14 wickets in just seven matches at an average of 21.78. However, team combinations and competition for places often kept him out of the playing XI. Based on his performances, Hinge certainly deserved more game time.

Rajasthan Royals - Ravi Bishnoi

Rajasthan Royals invested heavily in Ravi Bishnoi during the mini-auction, but the leg-spinner featured in only nine matches. Despite limited opportunities, he managed to pick up 11 wickets and showed why he remains one of the most exciting spinners in Indian cricket. More consistent backing could have yielded even better returns.

Lucknow Super Giants - Arjun Tendulkar

Arjun Tendulkar's IPL 2026 campaign never really got going as he played only one match. With Lucknow Super Giants struggling for bowling consistency at various stages of the season, the left-arm pacer could have been given more opportunities to prove himself.

Mumbai Indians - Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar made a significant impact whenever he was called upon by Mumbai Indians. The left-arm pacer picked up six wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 17. His ability to strike regularly suggested he could have played a larger role during the season.

The wait is finally over! India reclaimed the SAFF Women’s Championship title after seven years, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a gripping final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Pyari Xaxa gave India the lead in the 42nd minute before Ritu Porna Chakma equalised in first half stoppage time. Sanfida Nongrum restored the Blue Tigresses’ advantage just 40 seconds into the second half, while substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed the victory in the 82nd minute as India lifted a record-extending sixth trophy.

As the final whistle sounded, the significance of the achievement was evident across the Indian camp. Sanfida Nongrum, who played a decisive role throughout the tournament, scoring in both the semi-final and the final, dropped to her knees before embracing teammate Dangmei Grace, who announced her retirement after the match. Around them, players and staff celebrated as India returned to the summit of South Asian women’s football for the first time since 2019. Grace, a legend of the Indian women’s game, represented the country 95 times since her debut in 2013, and ended her international career on a high after winning her third SAFF title.

The triumph capped a remarkable campaign for the hosts, who won all four of their matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just one, while ending Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a historic third consecutive title.

The final had all the ingredients expected from a meeting between the region’s two strongest sides. Bangladesh arrived as defending champions, while India were chasing a title that had eluded them for the last two editions.

Manisha Kalyan made her first start of the tournament as India looked to make an early statement. The hosts enjoyed much of the possession during the opening stages and created the better opportunities.

Sanfida Nongrum was first to threaten, trying her luck from a difficult angle before sending her effort over the bar. India came even closer in the 16th minute when Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter failed to deal with a long ball from Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam. The loose ball fell kindly for Astam Oraon, but the defender could not keep her effort on target.

Bangladesh, however, remained dangerous. Ritu Porna Chakma nearly repeated her semi-final heroics against Nepal in the 23rd minute, curling a corner directly towards goal that drifted just over the crossbar.

Crispin Chettri’s side continued to push forward. Aveka Singh headed narrowly wide from a Nirmala cross before Mile Akter produced an excellent save to deny Manisha Kalyan’s powerful half-volley in the 38th minute.

The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes before half-time. Pyari Xaxa showed quick feet inside the penalty area before getting away a shot. Surovi Akter attempted to block the effort, but the deflection looped over the advancing Mile Akter and into the net.

The goal appeared to have given India control heading into the interval, but Bangladesh responded immediately. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ritu Porna Chakma found space down the left and drove a low effort into the far corner beyond Panthoi Chanu Elangbam. It was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament and ensured the sides went into the break level at 1-1.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to India.

Within seconds of the restart, Pyari turned provider. Her cross from the right found Sanfida Nongrum, who rose unmarked and directed a powerful header into the net via the post to restore India’s lead.

That goal shifted the momentum. India looked more composed and confident, while Bangladesh struggled to establish the same attacking rhythm they had shown earlier.

There were still moments of concern for the hosts. Maria Manda nearly caught Panthoi off her line with a dangerous delivery, but the goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to tip the ball away.

India continued to create chances and came close to extending their advantage through Manisha, whose volley drifted narrowly wide after a fine run and pass from Sanfida.

India capitalised and scored their third in the 82nd minute when a defensive error presented substitute Lynda Kom Serto with an opportunity inside the box. The forward was the quickest to react and slotted the ball beyond Mile Akter to make it 3-1.

The goal effectively settled the contest and ensured there would be no dramatic comeback.

The victory completed a memorable tournament for the hosts. Aveka Singh finished as the competition’s top scorer with four goals, Sanfida Nongrum was named Most Valuable Player, while Panthoi Chanu Elangbam collected the Best Goalkeeper award. Nepal won the Fair Play award.

India: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Juli Kishan, Sangita Basfore (C) (Soumya Guguloth 89′), Sanfida Nongrum, Astam Oraon, Pyari Xaxa (Grace Dangmei 86′), Manisha Kalyan (Lynda Kom Serto 71′), Jasoda Munda, Aveka Singh (Malavika 46′).

The post Dominant India end seven-year wait for SAFF Women’s Championship title appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.