After recently challenging Jasprit Bumrah, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned his attention to Josh Hazlewood on Friday. The young talent emphasized focusing on the delivery rather than the bowler’s reputation. Sooryavanshi scored an explosive 78 runs from 26 deliveries, enabling Rajasthan Royals to reach Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s target of 201 with two overs remaining. ‘I aim to apply my training and trust my instincts. While aware of the bowler’s identity, like Bumrah or Hazlewood, the key is responding to the ball itself,’ he explained. He struck the Australian fast bowler for three fours and a six in four consecutive balls.
Despite the sudden fame, Sooryavanshi remains humble, crediting his father Sanjiv and Rajasthan Royals coach Romi Bhinder for their practical guidance. ‘They remind me that this is a lengthy path, and I must concentrate solely on my performance,’ he noted.
He expressed disappointment over his dismissal at 78, believing he could have added more to the team’s total. ‘I felt that staying in might have allowed me to contribute an extra 20 runs, aiding the side further,’ Sooryavanshi stated during the after-match event.
Rajasthan Royals triumphed over Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets, maintaining their perfect record with a fourth consecutive victory and giving RCB their initial defeat this season.
Pursuing 202, Rajasthan Royals benefited from Sooryavanshi’s rapid 78 and an unbeaten 81 by Dhruv Jurel. Their 108-run partnership paved the way for success, with Ravindra Jadeja adding an unbeaten 24 to complete the chase in 18 overs.
Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached 201 for eight, thanks to skipper Rajat Patidar’s 63 and a quick contribution from Venkatesh Iyer. Although Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi claimed early dismissals, the team managed to surpass 200, but it proved insufficient against Rajasthan Royals’ strong lineup.
