Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again grabbed attention during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Gujarat Titans but it was the bowling tactics used against him that sparked a debate.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his discomfort with the bodyline approach adopted by Gujarat Titans bowlers against the 15-year-old batter. While acknowledging that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is competing at the highest level against experienced professionals, Irfan Pathan said that he was not comfortable seeing such tactics used against a player of his age.
The incident occurred in the 14th over of Rajasthan Royals’ innings when a short-pitched delivery from Kagiso Rabada struck Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the helmet. As per protocol, the youngster underwent a mandatory concussion test before continuing his innings. Although the blow did not cause any injury, it drew attention from fans and experts alike.
Irfan Pathan later shared his views on social media, saying that while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is playing among the “big boys”, the father in him did not feel good about seeing bodyline bowling directed at a 15 years old player.
Irfan Pathan’s tweet read, “Body line bowling to stop 15 years old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 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.”
https://x.com/IrfanPathan/status/2060390077877092409
The pressure did not end there. In the following over, Mohammed Siraj also targeted Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with deliveries aimed at his body. However, the young batter responded confidently, smashing one such ball for a six.
The crowd in Mullanpur was treated to another fearless display from the teenager, who continued to take on some of the world’s top bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s task became even more challenging after RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel inside the second over. Batting on a used pitch, he had to adjust his game as Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna followed a clear plan of bowling back-of-a-length deliveries into his body while mixing in occasional bouncers to restrict his scoring options.
The strategy initially worked, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struggling to find his rhythm and timing as the bowlers denied him room to play freely. Despite the disciplined attack, the youngster still produced several eye-catching strokes. The highlight of his innings was a magnificent straight six off a 153 kmph back-of-a-length delivery from Kagiso Rabada, underlining his talent and composure under pressure.
