WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026
An Unexpected Fan in the Wrestling Ring
The world of professional wrestling and high-octane T20 cricket rarely collide, but IPL 2026 has proven to be an exception. WWE powerhouse Drew McIntyre has officially joined the growing legion of fans supporting young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. In a move that caught the cricketing world by surprise, the former WWE Champion took to social media to showcase his support for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) starlet.
McIntyre shared an Instagram video of himself pumping iron while sporting a Rajasthan Royals jersey, which notably featured ‘Sooryavanshi’ emblazoned on the back. His caption was brief yet impactful, simply stating: “Chosen One.” For those familiar with the wrestling scene, this is a nod to the moniker McIntyre has carried since his 2009 debut, signaling that he views the young Indian prodigy as a special talent destined for greatness.
Riyan Parag’s Fanboy Moment
The post didn’t just grab headlines; it caught the attention of the Rajasthan Royals squad itself. RR captain Riyan Parag, who is known for his avid interest in gaming and pop culture, couldn’t contain his excitement. Commenting on the post, Parag remarked, “Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.”
Parag’s comment highlights the genuine intersection of fan interests, referencing the iconic WWE 2K video game series. The official Rajasthan Royals handle also chimed in with a supportive “Certainly,” reinforcing the team’s collective belief in the 15-year-old’s ability to change the course of any match.
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
While McIntyre’s endorsement has added a layer of global glamour, it is Sooryavanshi’s performance on the field that has truly captivated the league. After a promising breakout campaign in 2025, the young cricketer has elevated his game to elite status in 2026. His statistics are nothing short of phenomenal:
- Total Matches: 14
- Total Runs: 583
- Batting Average: 41.64
- Strike Rate: A blistering 232
- Milestones: 3 fifties and 1 century
- Power Hitting: 53 sixes hit in the current season
Standing just seven sixes away from the all-time IPL record for maximums in a single season, Sooryavanshi has become the engine room of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup. His ability to clear the boundary at will has made him one of the most feared strikers in the tournament.
The High-Stakes Eliminator
The timing of this celebrity support could not be more critical. The Rajasthan Royals face a do-or-die scenario in the IPL 2026 Eliminator against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. While RR’s journey to the playoffs was turbulent—marked by a strong start, a mid-season slump, and a late-tournament resurgence—the team enters the knockout phase with newfound momentum after winning their final two league matches.
The winner of the Eliminator will progress to Qualifier 2, where they will face the Gujarat Titans on May 29. The ultimate prize awaits at the final in Ahmedabad on May 31, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are already waiting to battle for the championship. Both the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 are set to be hosted at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Looking Ahead
As the Rajasthan Royals prepare for the high-pressure clash against SRH, the focus remains firmly on whether Sooryavanshi can replicate his league-stage heroics under the bright lights of the playoffs. With the backing of a global icon like Drew McIntyre and the confidence of his captain, the stage is set for the youngster to potentially etch his name into IPL history. Whether the ‘Chosen One’ moniker proves prophetic remains to be seen, but for now, the cricket world is watching with bated breath.
