I can see Vaibhav breaking Gayle’s record, says Kumble on most sixes in a single IPL season

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was at his best as Rajasthan Royals signed off from their home leg in style, defeating Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets to stay alive in the TATA IPL 2026 playoff race. Vaibhav, once again, stole the limelight and former India player Anil Kumble praised the youngster for his six-hitting range and maturity.

“Very few batters can hit sixes over cover with such ease. But Vaibhav Suryavanshi did it multiple times against Digvesh Rathi. I am glad people still have words to describe such talent. I am running out of my own vocabulary. This kid is very special. What stands out even more is his mindset. Every time he speaks, he sounds mature beyond his years. That is crucial at this age, especially with all the attention and praise coming his way. He understands that this is just the start. He said it himself after the match: ‘This is the start of my journey. If my journey is long enough, I will create a few of these records.’ He has already hit 53 sixes this IPL season. Chris Gayle holds the record for most sixes in a season with 59. RR have one more league game and then the playoffs. If they win, he will get more chances. I can see Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaking Gayle’s record and making history,” said Kumble on Star Sports’ Amul Cricket Live.

Jurel brings much-needed stability to RR

On the importance of Dhruv Jurel in Rajasthan Royals’ batting order, he said: “Dhruv Jurel brings much-needed stability to Rajasthan’s batting order. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi attacking from ball one at the top, they can play freely knowing Jurel is there to hold the innings together if early wickets fall. His strike rate may have dropped this season compared to previous years when he batted as a finisher. But now that he is batting in the top order, his consistency has improved. His fifty against LSG was his fifth half-century of the season. In 13 games, that is a solid return. Yes, he has had some ups and downs, but five fifties from your number three batter is something any team would take.”

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi attacking from ball one at the top, they can play freely knowing Dhruv Jurel is there to hold the innings together if early wickets fall. Pics: BCCI

On how Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quickfire knock helped Rajasthan Royals get a crucial start, Kumble said: “In a chase of 220, winning the powerplay is crucial. RR needed a flying start, but Vaibhav Suryavanshi began a little cautiously. That is when Yashasvi Jaiswal stepped up. He took on the bowlers and scored 43 quick runs. That aggressive knock gave RR the momentum they needed early on. Once Vaibhav got his eye in, the game changed. He started finding the gaps and clearing the boundaries with ease. But he needed time to settle. Jaiswal’s intent at the other end provided that time. It allowed Vaibhav to play himself in without worrying about the run rate. And once he was set, he tore the bowling attack apart. That is the beauty of having two players at the top who understand each other’s game well. One takes the early risks, the other builds the innings. Together, they made a steep chase look much easier than it actually was.”

KKR have been brilliant in the last few games

On Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent form and the challenge of facing Mumbai Indians, the former India captain said: “KKR have been brilliant in their last few games. The momentum is firmly with them. Varun Chakaravarthy, who had a poor start to the season, is suddenly back in rhythm. Finn Allen is batting superbly. It’s been a remarkable turnaround, and Rinku Singh has played a key role in it. When KKR were struggling, it was Rinku’s innings that changed their fortunes. With Sunil Narine and others also firing, there are plenty of positives for KKR right now. But the big challenge is Mumbai Indians. MI have nothing to lose. They will go all out to finish the season on a high. KKR have a real shot at the playoffs, so they must not make the mistake of taking MI lightly.”

On how Kolkata Knight Riders might plan to counter Rohit Sharma, Kumble said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunil Narine is brought into the attack early, especially if Rohit Sharma is still batting inside the powerplay. Rohit has looked in good touch this season. Even though he didn’t score much in the last game at Dharamshala, he has batted with purpose and conviction in most of his other innings. He looks like the old Rohit. And he has a special connection with Eden Gardens. KKR will want to dismiss him early; otherwise, the game could quickly swing in Mumbai’s favor.”