Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is quickly making a name for himself in IPL 2026, especially after his fearless hitting against top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, his aggressive batting helped RR secure a convincing win and extend their strong run in the tournament.
Steyn on Sooryavanshi’s fear factor
Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn believes the young opener is already getting into bowlers’ heads. After Sooryavanshi smashed Bumrah for a six off the very first ball, Steyn said,“I think that’s what he’s done,” he told ESPNCricinfo. “I mean, honestly, he’s created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he’s going to hit you for boundaries.”He pointed out that even a world-class bowler like Bumrah looked under pressure, adding, “That delivery from Bumrah, that’s in the slot. That’s so rare of Bumrah. So even the great Bumrah is thinking in the back of his mind: ‘don’t get it wrong, because if I get it wrong, this guy’s going to hit me for six’.”Steyn explained that this fear can lead to mistakes: “I feel, if you think like that, more often than not, you do get it wrong.”
Fearless batting driving RR’s success
Steyn also highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s confidence makes him dangerous against any bowler.“And this kid’s not scared, man. If you miss a half-volley, he’s going to hit you out of the ground… It doesn’t matter who you are, Bumrah or Jofra Archer,” he added.In the match, Sooryavanshi scored a quick 39 off just 14 balls, while Yashasvi Jaiswal added an unbeaten 77. Their explosive start helped Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 27 runs, marking their third straight win of the season.
