Vaibhav Sooryavanshi transformed his batting to some extent and played a more responsible knock for RR against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, following which doubts once again arose over his possible inclusion in the Indian national team.

Rajasthan Royals have worked hard to gain their significant stature despite Sanju Samson leaving the franchise ahead of the tournament. The former captain’s knock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 might have led to doubts in the RR camp; however, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi successfully eradicated them after the start of the season.

The 15-year-old came off a spectacular 2025-26 season as he racked up a century against all major rivals and in every tournament he played in, representing the Indian youth team or the B team, also winning the 2026 World Cup with a power-packed performance in the final.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes control as RR battles KKR at Eden Gardens

Coming into this IPL season, a lot was expected of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and he didn’t do anything wrong either. He scored runs for RR and batted with bold stride, easily dominating the world-class bowlers.

However, after being dismissed for a duck by Praful Hinge against SRH, which cost RR the game, the batsman looked more poised and controlled with his approach and strokeplay against the Knight Riders.

While all RR batsmen failed to score runs, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi top-scored at the top of the order with 46 runs off 28 balls, at an average of 164.29, down from his usual scoring rate of over 225. He also batted after the powerplay, forming a promising first-wicket partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Predicting or predicting is not the right thing to do: Royals coach on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s India debut

Sooryavanshi has become a big entertainer for cricket fans as well as several greats of the game. Many have wanted to see him in Indian colours, ignoring his youth and refusing to believe that early international exposure could cut short his prolific future as a cricketer.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been seen in the role of a fierce striker; his composed nature against KKR was a new addition to his skill set, which already seems unnatural for a 15-year-old. Adding to this, Rajasthan coach Vikram Rathour stated that he is currently enjoying his game and should not be saddled with high hopes of an immediate debut in senior men’s cricket.

“When they [India selectors] I feel it is the right time for Sooryavanshi to come into the team, I am sure she will be in the team. Forecasting or predicting that is not correct. Let him play cricket. He is playing well and is enjoying himself. If he continues to play well, he will make it to the Indian team,” said Vikram Rathour.

Top competitors threaten RR’s top four spot after loss to KKR

After consecutive losses in the IPL, Rajasthan Royals are now on the back foot with 8 points after 6 matches. However, teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, who are now at the fifth and sixth position in the points table, have a chance to equalize their points tally.

Gujarat Titans will next play their home match against the bottom team in the table, Mumbai Indians, while Delhi Capitals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. Whichever team wins could move into RR’s place in the points table, and could fall out of the top four if both Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals win their next games.

ALSO READ: ‘There are areas of concern:’ Rishabh Pant points out LSG’s problems after massive loss against PBKS in IPL 2026