“He doesn’t”: Riyan Parag drops blunt verdict on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following – IPL 2026 Qualifier 2: Riyan Parag Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After RR Exit
A Hard-Fought End to the IPL 2026 Campaign
The TATA Indian Premier League 2026 reached a dramatic fever pitch during Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh. In a match that determined who would face off for the ultimate prize, the Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a commanding 7-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR), effectively ending the Royals’ championship dreams. While the loss was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for Riyan Parag and his team, the encounter provided a stage for some of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket to showcase their immense potential.
The Opening Drama and First Innings
Controversy seemed to loom over the fixture even before the first ball was bowled. In an unusual turn of events during the toss, the match referee failed to hear Riyan Parag’s call, necessitating a restart. Once the formalities concluded, Parag elected to bat first, keeping faith in the same lineup that had secured a crucial win against SRH. Gujarat Titans countered with a strategic change, bringing in R. Sai Kishore for Kulwant Khejroliya.
The Royals’ start was far from ideal. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed early for just a single run, and when Dhruv Jurel followed him back to the pavilion shortly after for 7, the team found themselves in a precarious position at 9/2. The tactical shuffle saw Ravindra Jadeja promoted up the order to steady the ship. Jadeja provided a calm presence, building a vital partnership before unfortunately being forced to retire hurt on 34 runs.
The Brilliance of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The centerpiece of the Royals’ innings was undoubtedly the performance of young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Displaying a level of composure beyond his years, Sooryavanshi lit up the stadium with a scintillating knock of 96 runs. While he narrowly missed out on what would have been a landmark century, his contribution was instrumental in driving the Royals to a competitive total of 214 runs. Bolstered by Donovan Ferreira’s explosive 38 off just 11 balls and a resilient unbeaten 45 from Jadeja, the Royals managed to post a score that they hoped would be enough to defend.
Gujarat Titans’ Dominant Chase
The Titans’ pursuit of 215 was nothing short of clinical. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan dismantled the Royals’ bowling attack with a blistering 167-run partnership. The only moment of oddity occurred when Sudharsan was dismissed hit-wicket for 58—a bizarre repeat of an exit he suffered just three days prior. Despite the wicket, Gill continued his masterclass, racing to a stunning 104 runs off 47 balls before falling. Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 17, guiding his team home with ease.
Riyan Parag’s Blunt Verdict
Reflecting on the match, Riyan Parag was analytical and objective. He acknowledged that the total of 214 was competitive, though he personally felt that 230 or 240 might have been required given the change in pitch conditions under lights. “It was a par score, but we needed the openers early,” Parag noted. “When that didn’t happen, it became tough for us.”
However, the most significant praise was reserved for his young teammate, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. When asked about the teenager’s explosive scoring, Parag was quick to dismiss the notion that Sooryavanshi is just another power-hitter. “He doesn’t slog,” Parag stated firmly. “You could see his innings today—he calculates and plays his shots. I can’t say exactly how he does it, but hopefully, he will go on to do well in his career, contribute further to the Rajasthan Royals, and eventually help us win a second title.”
Looking Ahead
While the season ended in disappointment for the Rajasthan Royals, the campaign was not without its silver linings. Parag noted that despite the team being comprised of many young and inexperienced players, the overall effort was commendable. The youngsters stepped up when it mattered, providing a foundation for future seasons. With the discovery of talents like Sooryavanshi, the Royals appear well-positioned to build on this year’s learnings, aiming to come back stronger in the next edition of the tournament.
