Rajasthan Royals player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pretended to charge two young fans for a selfie before revealing the interaction was a joke [1].
The incident highlights the growing intersection of athlete branding and social media content creation during the IPL 2026 season. Such interactions often serve to humanize high-profile players to their younger fanbases through short-form video platforms.
According to the report, Sooryavanshi approached two fans [2] and requested a payment of 100 INR [1] in exchange for a photograph. The player's demand for money was a prank intended for fun and social-media sharing [1]. After the brief exchange, the player said the interaction was a joke to the children.
Video of the encounter subsequently went viral across various digital platforms. The clip shows the initial surprise of the fans before the resolution of the prank. The interaction occurred amid the atmosphere of the IPL 2026 tournament, where players frequently engage with supporters in public spaces.
While the prank was light-hearted, it underscores the trend of athletes filming candid moments with supporters to increase engagement. The Rajasthan Royals star utilized the momentary confusion of the fans to create a shareable digital moment. No further official statements were issued regarding the prank, as it was categorized as a casual interaction.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pretended to charge two young fans for a selfie”
This incident reflects the current strategy of professional athletes using 'prank' culture to build relatability and viral reach. By creating staged yet candid-feeling interactions, players can maintain a high digital presence that appeals to younger demographics, though it relies on the perceived authenticity of the athlete's personality.
