WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026
An Unexpected Crossover: When Wrestling Meets Cricket
The world of professional wrestling and the high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) rarely collide, but IPL 2026 has proven to be an exception. WWE powerhouse Drew McIntyre has officially joined the growing fan club of Rajasthan Royals’ young batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The endorsement has sent waves of excitement through social media, highlighting the global appeal of Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise in T20 cricket.
The Viral Moment
McIntyre, the Scottish wrestling icon, took to Instagram to share a video of himself training while donning a Rajasthan Royals jersey, specifically personalized with Sooryavanshi’s name on the back. The clip, which featured McIntyre lifting heavy weights, was accompanied by a simple yet powerful caption: ‘Chosen One.’ This phrase carries significant weight for wrestling fans, as it has been McIntyre’s personal moniker since his debut in 2009.
The interaction did not go unnoticed by the Rajasthan Royals camp. RR skipper Riyan Parag, clearly taken aback by the support from such a high-profile athlete, commented on the post: ‘Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.’ Parag’s reference to the legendary WWE video game series underscores the massive influence professional wrestling holds among modern-day cricketers.
Sooryavanshi: The Breakout Sensation
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s surge in popularity is well-earned. After a breakout performance in 2025, the 15-year-old has established himself as arguably the most destructive batsman in the league during the 2026 campaign. His statistics for the season are nothing short of extraordinary:
- Matches: 14
- Total Runs: 583
- Batting Average: 41.64
- Strike Rate: 232.00
- Milestones: 3 fifties and 1 century
Perhaps his most impressive feat this year has been his power-hitting. Sooryavanshi has smashed 53 sixes, positioning himself just seven short of the all-time record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. His ability to clear the boundary at will has made him the focal point of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup as they navigate the pressure of the playoffs.
High Stakes in the Eliminator
The support from McIntyre arrives at a critical juncture for the Rajasthan Royals. Following a rollercoaster season that saw them win their first four matches before suffering a mid-season slump, the team showed immense resilience by winning their final two league-stage games to secure a playoff spot. Now, the stakes are at an absolute maximum.
On Wednesday, the Rajasthan Royals are set to face off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. For both teams, this is a ‘do-or-die’ encounter. The loser will see their season come to an abrupt end, while the victor will advance to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29.
The winner of that second qualifier will then earn a ticket to the grand finale in Ahmedabad on May 31, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru await. As the Rajasthan Royals prepare for this high-pressure showdown, the backing of a ‘Chosen One’ like Drew McIntyre adds a layer of motivation for the squad, especially for the young Sooryavanshi, who continues to perform well beyond his years.
A Culture of Support
The official Rajasthan Royals social media account responded to McIntyre’s video with a concise ‘Certainly,’ signaling their appreciation for the support. This interaction reflects the evolving nature of celebrity fandom, where athletes from entirely different disciplines converge to celebrate talent. Whether or not this WWE-inspired energy translates into a match-winning performance in Mullanpur remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi when he steps out to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers.
