Most Sixes in an IPL Season: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Breaks Chris Gayle’s Record
A New Era of Power Hitting in the IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a theatre for the extraordinary, where power hitters are elevated to legendary status. Over the years, the tournament has seen several iconic cricketers dominate bowling attacks with clinical precision and brute force. However, the 2026 edition has introduced the world to a new batting phenomenon: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
As the Rajasthan Royals (RR) clashed with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the high-stakes Eliminator 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, all eyes were on the 15-year-old prodigy. Sooryavanshi, who has enjoyed a breakout season with 583 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 232.37, entered the playoffs with his sights set on history.
The Quest for Greatness
Sooryavanshi’s confidence has been a hallmark of his young career. In a candid appearance on Kevin Pietersen’s YouTube channel, “The Switch,” the teenager openly stated his ambition to challenge the long-standing records of T20 greats, including Chris Gayle’s unbeatable individual score of 175. While that specific target remains, Sooryavanshi has already managed to dismantle one of the most prestigious records in the IPL: the most sixes in a single season.
The Hierarchy of Six-Hitting Supremacy
Before examining the new record-holder, it is important to look back at the players who defined power hitting in the IPL. The list of those who have cleared the ropes the most in a single edition is a testament to the evolution of T20 batting.
5. Jos Buttler (45 Sixes, 2022)
During the 2022 season, English maestro Jos Buttler was in a league of his own. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, Buttler smashed 45 sixes across 17 matches. His campaign was nothing short of historic, as he secured the Orange Cap with 863 runs and equaled Virat Kohli’s record of four centuries in a single tournament.
4. Chris Gayle (51 Sixes, 2013)
Chris Gayle’s 2013 campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains etched in folklore. Not only did he clear the fence 51 times, but this was also the year he produced his magnum opus—the record-breaking 175 not out against the Pune Warriors India, a game where he cleared the ropes on 17 separate occasions.
3. Andre Russell (52 Sixes, 2019)
The Caribbean powerhouse Andre Russell demonstrated his destructive potential in 2019. Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell cleared the boundary 52 times in just 14 innings. His ability to turn a match on its head with a strike rate of over 200 made him the undisputed MVP of that season.
2. Chris Gayle (59 Sixes, 2012)
Before his 2013 heroics, Gayle set the benchmark high in 2012 by hitting 59 sixes. It was a year of total domination, where he amassed 733 runs, proving that the “Universe Boss” was the most feared batter in the format.
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (60+ Sixes, 2026)
The record finally fell during the 2026 Eliminator 1. As Rajasthan Royals looked to build a strong total, Sooryavanshi showcased his maturity beyond his years. During an opening partnership, he targeted Sakib Hussain, picking up a good-length delivery early and lofting it over extra cover. That shot brought him to 59 sixes, matching Gayle’s 2012 record.
However, the teenager was not finished. Within the same over, he dispatched another delivery into the stands, officially claiming the record with his 60th maximum of the season. It was a poetic moment for a young player who has now cemented his name among the titans of the game.
What Lies Ahead
The rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi signals a changing of the guard in the IPL. By breaking a record held by a legend like Chris Gayle, the 15-year-old has announced his arrival on the global stage. As he continues his journey in the playoffs, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if he can push this record even further, setting a bar that may last for another decade.
The IPL continues to evolve, and with young talents like Sooryavanshi leading the charge, the future of cricket looks brighter—and bigger—than ever before.
