WWE star Drew McIntyre joins Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fan club, Riyan Parag stunned – WWE Star Drew McIntyre Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL 2026
An Unlikely Crossover: WWE Meets Cricket
The intensity of the IPL 2026 season has transcended the boundaries of the cricket pitch, drawing attention from the world of professional wrestling. Drew McIntyre, a marquee name in WWE, has officially joined the growing fan club of Rajasthan Royals’ sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The crossover moment occurred on social media, where the wrestling icon showcased his allegiance to the Jaipur-based franchise in a viral video.
The Viral Instagram Post
In the video shared on his official Instagram account, McIntyre was seen working out while sporting a Rajasthan Royals training jersey. Notably, the jersey featured the name ‘Sooryavanshi’ on the back, signaling the WWE star’s clear admiration for the 15-year-old batting prodigy. McIntyre kept his caption simple yet powerful, using only the words: ‘Chosen One.’ This phrase holds special significance for the wrestler, as it has been his professional moniker since his debut in 2009.
The post quickly caught the attention of the Rajasthan Royals squad, including captain Riyan Parag. Parag, clearly a fan of the WWE product himself, commented: ‘Omgggggg don’t remember how many Future Shock DDTs I’ve hit on 2K.’ The comment highlights the camaraderie and lighthearted culture within the RR camp as they prepare for the high-stakes pressure of the playoffs.
Sooryavanshi: The Breakout Star of IPL 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise is no longer just a local story; it has become a central narrative of IPL 2026. After a breakout performance in the previous season, the teenager has elevated his game to extraordinary levels. Across 14 matches this season, he has amassed 583 runs with an impressive average of 41.64. However, it is his strike rate of 232 that has left bowlers and analysts stunned.
The youngster has already registered three fifties and a century this year, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the Rajasthan Royals batting lineup. Perhaps most impressively, he has cleared the ropes 53 times, sitting just seven sixes away from breaking the record for the most sixes in a single IPL season.
The Road to the Final
The endorsement from a global star like McIntyre comes at a pivotal moment for the Rajasthan Royals. Following a rollercoaster regular season—which saw them start strong, endure a mid-season slump, and eventually secure their spot with consecutive wins—the team is now locked into the Eliminator round. They face a daunting task against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this Wednesday.
The stakes could not be higher. Held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the match is a do-or-die affair. The loser will be eliminated from the competition, while the winner will advance to Qualifier 2 on May 29 to face the Gujarat Titans. Ultimately, the winner of that clash will travel to Ahmedabad to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 Final on May 31.
Why the Support Matters
For a young player like Sooryavanshi, the backing of a globally recognized athlete like McIntyre serves as a testament to the reach of his talent. As RR prepares for their battle against SRH, the team environment appears focused and energized. Whether or not the ‘Chosen One’s’ support translates into a trophy for Rajasthan remains to be seen, but for now, the cricket world is undoubtedly keeping a close eye on the teenager who has managed to captivate the wrestling world as well.
As the Eliminator approaches, all eyes will be on whether Sooryavanshi can continue his destructive form. With the weight of expectation and the eyes of global sports fans upon him, the young star has the opportunity to etch his name into the history books of the Indian Premier League.
Rohan Kapoor is a cricket editor and sports content analyst based in New Delhi with over 6 years of experience covering IPL, T20 leagues, and international cricket. He specializes in match analysis, player statistics, and tactical breakdowns, bringing data-driven insights to modern cricket audiences across India.
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