Gujarat Titans entered IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 with one clear objective — neutralise Rajasthan Royals’ biggest match-winner, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old sensation has terrorised bowling attacks throughout the season, scoring runs at a strike rate well above 230. However, GT came prepared with a specific plan and executed it effectively during the high-pressure clash in Mullanpur.
From the outset, Gujarat’s pace attack targeted Sooryavanshi with short-pitched deliveries directed into his body. Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder made full use of the extra bounce available on the surface, forcing the young left-hander to adjust his natural attacking game. The strategy initially worked, as Sooryavanshi took longer than usual to settle and brought up his half-century in over 30 deliveries — one of his slowest fifties of the season.
The approach sparked discussion across the cricketing world, especially after a Rabada bouncer struck Sooryavanshi on the helmet during the 14th over. While such tactics are a legitimate part of fast bowling, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan admitted he was uncomfortable watching a teenager repeatedly targeted with body-line bowling.
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“Body-line bowling to stop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn’t fit well with me. I know he is playing against the big boys, but the father in me doesn’t agree with that,” Irfan Pathan posted on social media during the match.
Despite the early challenges, Sooryavanshi once again showcased why he has been the breakout star of IPL 2026. As he adapted to the pace and bounce of the wicket, his strokeplay became increasingly fluent. One of the standout moments came when he pulled a Siraj bouncer over the boundary for a six, sending a clear message that he was ready to counterattack.
The Rajasthan Royals opener eventually produced another memorable knock, scoring 96 runs from 47 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes. His innings powered RR to an imposing total of 214/6, a score that looked highly competitive on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers.
However, the Gujarat Titans responded brilliantly in the chase. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent century, guiding his side to a comfortable victory and a place in the IPL 2026 final. Speaking after the match, Rabada explained that GT simply adapted to the conditions on offer.
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“It’s got a tennis-ball bounce. We tried to bowl in those areas consistently and adjust according to what the pitch offered. Bowling is all about line and length, and we focused on executing that as well as possible,” Rabada said. While GT ultimately emerged victorious, Sooryavanshi’s fearless 96 once again underlined why he has become one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026.
