Vaibhav Suryavanshi changed his batting somewhat and played a more responsible innings for RR against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, which has once again raised questions over his possible inclusion in the Indian national team.
Rajasthan Royals have worked hard to regain their significant stature despite Sanju Samson leaving the franchise ahead of the tournament. The former captain’s innings in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 may give rise to second thoughts in the RR camp; However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has successfully eliminated them after the start of the season.
The 15-year-old had a stellar 2025-26 season as he scored centuries against all the major opponents and across all tournaments he represented the Indian youth team or B team and also won the World Cup 2026 with a strong performance in the final.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi takes control during RR’s clash against KKR at Eden Gardens
There were a lot of expectations from young Vaibhav Suryavanshi in this season of IPL and he also did not do anything wrong. He scored runs for RR and batted courageously, dominating the world-class bowlers with ease.
However, after being out for a duck by Prafulla Hinge against SRH which caused RR to lose the game, the batsman looked more balanced and controlled with his approach as well as strokeplay against the Knight Riders.
While all the RR batsmen failed to score runs, Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 46 runs off 28 balls as the top order scored 164.29 runs, which was below their normal scoring rate of over 225. He batted even after the power play and made a promising partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first wicket.
It is not right to predict or predict – Royals coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s India debut
Sooryavanshi has emerged as a big entertainer for cricket fans as well as many legends of the game. Many wanted to see him in Indian colors, ignoring his youth and refusing to believe that early international exposure could end his promising future as a cricketer.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is seen in the role of a flamboyant striker; His composed character against KKR was a new addition to his skillset, which already looks unnatural for a 15-year-old. Adding to this, Rajasthan coach Vikram Rathore claimed that he is currently enjoying his gameplay and should not be burdened by high expectations of his immediate debut in men’s senior cricket.
Vikram Rathod said, “When they (Indian selectors) feel that it is the right time for Suryavanshi to come into the team, I am sure he will be in the team. It is not the right thing to predict or make predictions about it. Let’s allow him to play cricket. He is playing well and enjoying. If he keeps playing well, he will make a place in the Indian team.”
Defeat to KKR puts top rivals RR’s top four spot in danger
After consecutive defeats in IPL, Rajasthan Royals are now on the backfoot with 8 points after 6 matches. However, teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, who are now placed 5th and 6th on the points table, have an opportunity to level their points tally.
Gujarat Titans have to play their next home match against bottom of the table Mumbai Indians, while Delhi Capitals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Any team that wins can take RR’s spot in the points table, and if both Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are successful in winning their upcoming games, they could finish out of the top four.
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