WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026
A Wrestling Legend Meets Cricket Royalty
The intensity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has officially transcended the boundaries of the sport, drawing the attention of global icons. Recently, WWE superstar Drew McIntyre became the latest high-profile celebrity to join the rapidly growing fan club of Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The wrestling icon took to social media to showcase his allegiance, posting a video on Instagram that immediately sent fans into a frenzy.
In the footage, McIntyre, known globally as the ‘Chosen One’ since his WWE debut in 2009, is seen rigorously lifting weights while proudly sporting a Rajasthan Royals jersey. Notably, the jersey featured the name ‘Sooryavanshi’ on the back, signaling the wrestler’s direct support for the teenager who has taken the tournament by storm. By tagging the official Rajasthan Royals account, McIntyre solidified his support for the franchise as they fight for their second IPL title.
Riyan Parag’s Fanboy Moment
The crossover interaction did not go unnoticed by the Rajasthan Royals squad. RR captain Riyan Parag, clearly a fan of the wrestling world, reacted with genuine excitement. Commenting on McIntyre’s post, Parag wrote, ‘Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.’ His reference to the classic WWE video game series, 2K, highlighted the intersection of digital gaming, professional wrestling, and professional cricket culture.
The official Rajasthan Royals social media handle also joined the conversation, simply commenting ‘Certainly’ in response to McIntyre’s post. This public endorsement serves as a massive morale booster for Sooryavanshi, who has become the focal point of the Royals’ offensive strategy this season.
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
While 2025 was the year Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his arrival, 2026 has been the year of his total domination. The 15-year-old has evolved from a prospect into arguably the most dangerous batsman in the league. His statistics this year are nothing short of extraordinary: 583 runs across 14 matches, maintaining a solid average of 41.64. However, it is his strike rate of 232 that truly baffles bowlers and analysts alike.
Sooryavanshi’s ability to clear the ropes has been a defining feature of his game. With 53 sixes already under his belt, he is sitting just seven shy of the all-time record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. His explosive batting has been the backbone of the Royals’ playoff run, providing the team with the necessary momentum to reach the postseason.
Road to the Eliminator
The Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the playoffs was far from a linear path to success. After an explosive start that saw them win their first four matches, the team encountered a significant mid-season slump, losing six of their subsequent eight encounters. However, the grit shown by the team allowed them to bounce back, winning their final two matches to secure a spot in the playoffs based on their own merits.
Now, the pressure shifts to the Eliminator match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Scheduled to be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, this match represents a do-or-die scenario for both sides. While RR finished fourth on the table, SRH concluded their league campaign in third place. The loser of this contest will see their IPL 2026 journey come to an abrupt end, while the winner will advance to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29.
The Stakes of the Final Stretch
The path to the IPL 2026 final is rigorous. The survivor of the Eliminator must navigate through Qualifier 2 before earning the right to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the championship decider in Ahmedabad on May 31. For a young player like Sooryavanshi, the pressure of the playoffs is immense, but with the backing of teammates like Riyan Parag and even international stars like Drew McIntyre, the atmosphere surrounding the youngster remains incredibly positive.
As the cricket world turns its eyes to Mullanpur, all eyes will be on whether the ‘Chosen One’—referring to both McIntyre’s moniker and the hype surrounding the young batter—can help steer the Rajasthan Royals toward glory. The convergence of WWE’s hard-hitting intensity and the Royals’ aggressive brand of cricket creates a narrative arc that defines the spirit of modern IPL fandom.
