IPL 2026: WATCH- “Can’t be overshadowed every time”- Rayudu says Jaiswal needs a change to leave Sooryavanshi’s shadow

Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite scoring over 400 runs in IPL 2026, has been overshadowed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has advised Yashasvi Jaiswal to change his team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), as he is getting overshadowed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His words came after Sooryavanshi’s 29-ball 97 helped RR defeat SRH by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator.

Jaiswal struggled for rhythm, scoring 29 runs in 29 balls, before perishing trying to up the tempo. Sooryavanshi outperformed his opening partner in terms of popularity and runs scored.

With 426 runs from 15 matches, Jaiswal hasn't done too terribly, but when compared to what Sooryavanshi has accomplished—680 runs and counting, as well as surging popularity that has surpassed even a legend like Virat Kohli—there's only one winner.

Jaiswal has been part of the RR setup since the 2020 IPL and captained the side in a couple of games in IPL 2026 as well. However, Ambati Rayudu feels that Jaiswal needs to change his team if he wants to get out of the shadow of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

This IPL season, there have been numerous comparisons between Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi, with Ravichandran Ashwin pointing out that the veteran opener appears obviously unsettled and has not performed as expected.

Rayudu weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the time has come for Jaiswal to look for prospects to become the star of another series.

“He needs to change his team. Because he cannot just bat with the guy and be overshadowed every single time. He’s a star in his own right. If he goes to another team, he will win matches on his own. He needs that space and that platform. Because this guy will keep overshadowing people, it has to be a senior partner alongside him who can deal with it and be happy for him. Be happy for what is happening and not compete with the non-striker,” Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo.

Rayudu also suggested that the best franchise for Jaiswal to move to will be the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma does not have much time left with MI, and with Jaiswal being his direct opponent even in the Indian ODI team, it only makes sense for him to return to the franchise where he grew up playing cricket.

Jaiswal has played all of his first-class cricket for Mumbai, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy; therefore, the answer is easy for Rayudu.

“Mumbai Indians is a good team for Jaiswal,” he said.