Most Sixes in an IPL Season: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Breaks Chris Gayle’s Record

A New Era of Power Hitting

The Indian Premier League has always been a playground for the world’s most destructive batters. Since its inception, the tournament has evolved from a game of maneuvering gaps to a high-octane display of raw power and clearing the ropes. As the IPL 2026 Eliminator 1 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals unfolded at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, the cricketing world witnessed history in the making. Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, officially eclipsed the legendary Chris Gayle to set a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single IPL season.

(Source: AFP)

The Rise of a Teenage Prodigy

At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the league by storm. Before his playoff debut, the young batter had already amassed 583 runs in the season at an incredible strike rate of 232.37. His fearless approach and technical brilliance have earned him accolades from veterans and fans alike. With his eyes set on legacy, Sooryavanshi had previously expressed his ambition to challenge the most iconic records in the format, including Gayle’s historic 175-run innings. In the Eliminator 1, he turned that ambition into reality by dismantling the opposition bowling attack.

Breaking the Unbreakable Record

The record-breaking moment occurred during the opening partnership for the Rajasthan Royals. Facing Sakib Hussain, Sooryavanshi spotted a good-length delivery early and lofted it over deep extra cover. This shot not only propelled the Royals but also equaled Chris Gayle’s record of 59 sixes. Moments later, in the same over, the Bihar-born sensation sent another delivery into the stands, officially claiming the record for himself with 60 sixes in a single season.

The Elite List: Most Sixes in a Single IPL Season

Reaching the top of this list is no small feat. It requires consistency, aggressive intent, and the ability to find the boundary under immense pressure. Here are the players who have defined power-hitting in the IPL:

• 5. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals, 2022) – 45 Sixes: In a season where he claimed the Orange Cap with 863 runs, Buttler’s ability to find the ropes was unmatched, tying the record for most centuries in an IPL edition.
• 4. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2013) – 51 Sixes: A legendary campaign that included his record-breaking 175* against Pune Warriors India, a game that featured a staggering 17 maximums from the ‘Universe Boss’ alone.
• 3. Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2019) – 52 Sixes: The West Indies powerhouse redefined the role of a finisher in 2019, smashing 52 sixes in only 14 innings to earn the tournament MVP award.
• 2. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2012) – 59 Sixes: Before being surpassed in 2026, this was the gold standard for power-hitting. Gayle’s 733-run season in 2012 remains one of the most dominant displays of batting prowess in T20 history.
• 1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals, 2026) – 60 Sixes: The new king of the six-hitting record. Sooryavanshi’s ability to clear the fence at such a young age marks a significant shift in the evolution of modern cricket.

What Lies Ahead

As the 2026 season reaches its business end, the focus shifts to whether Sooryavanshi can lead the Rajasthan Royals to title glory. His fearless approach has already endeared him to fans worldwide, and breaking a record held by a giant like Chris Gayle signals the arrival of a special talent. Whether he continues to clear the ropes in the coming matches will be the defining story of the remainder of this IPL season.