Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Parthiv Patel called Rajasthan Royals (RR) teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a phenomenal talent. He also added that chatter and speculation about his age should end, and everyone should appreciate his batting.
This comes ahead of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match, which will see GT and RR clashing in New Chandigarh on May 29 for a chance to play RCB in the final on May 31, in Ahmedabad.
The RR superstar's incredible 29-ball 97 versus SRH in the Eliminator enabled his team to advance to the Qualifier 2 stage.
With a remarkable strike rate of 242.86, the RR opener has amassed 680 runs in 15 games, leaving many to question whether he is truly 15 years old. Sooryavanshi's father had to deny accusations of age fraud after he signed an IPL contract the previous season, while others have demanded that the prodigy be shielded.
According to Patel, age shouldn't be a factor in Sooryavanshi's extraordinary talent. Additionally, he expressed his optimism that they won't have significant difficulties in Qualifier 2 due to the RR opener.
"The way he has been batting, it feels very good to see it. We should not be talking about his age. I think that’s something we need to put an end to. He’s been a phenomenal talent, just the way he has been playing, and it’s great to see him. From the opposition’s point of view, we just hope that he doesn’t get one tomorrow," said Parthiv in the pre-match press conference.
Sooryavanshi had scored his first IPL century against GT in IPL 2025, reaching the milestone in 35 balls, the fastest ton in IPL by an Indian. However, Parthiv made the decision to avoid making the same error as SRH by disclosing that they have other plans in place for the boy wonder.
"Sir, I am not a broadcaster, and I am not sitting in the pre-show of Star Sports. So, I won’t be able to tell you what plans we have made. But I am very happy with the way he is batting. Hopefully, we will try and get him out soon.
Like everyone else, we also have our plans in place. We have seen the videos, like everyone else. Hopefully, we will be able to execute our plans. But I won’t be able to tell what our plans are. You will get to know it on the ground," said Parthiv.
Sooryavanshi has scored 168 runs in three matches against GT, with an average of 56.
(ANI inputs)
