Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour conceded that Mitchell Starc’s spell turned the match decisively in Delhi Capitals’ favour, leaving RR facing another jolt in an IPL 2026 playoff race that is becoming increasingly unforgiving. After getting to 162/2, the Royals looked set to push toward a competitive total in the 220–230 bracket, only for their innings to unravel and finish on 193/8. Delhi then chased the target comfortably, keeping their own qualification hopes very much alive.
The contest swung most dramatically in the middle and death overs, when Starc struck with ruthless precision. He removed Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira and Ravi Singh in a single destructive phase, halting RR’s momentum and forcing the batting group to scramble for runs. Even so, a significant chunk of Rajasthan’s innings continued to revolve around their teenage standout, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who once again looked calm and confident at the top of the order.
Sooryavanshi produced another fearless knock, striking 46 from 21 balls. His innings featured five fours and three sixes, and it provided Rajasthan with the kind of explosive start that often sets the tone in T20 cricket. Partnering him was Dhruv Jurel, as the duo laid the foundation before the collapse set in at the wrong time.
Speaking after the match, Rathour admitted the Royals fell well short of what they had planned. “We were 20 runs short. We were 160/2 and should have got to 220–230. Losing three wickets in one over does not help. We could have been smarter with our choices in that over. We can make mistakes every game, and the idea is to learn from them and I hope they will take different options in the next game. That over (of Starc) changed the game for us.”
Rathour also addressed a fitness issue within the squad. “It would be good if he were given a break for one more match,” he said, referring to Ravindra Jadeja’s knee problem. With that concern lingering, RR’s flexibility in a key period was further reduced.
On the tactical side of the chase and RR’s bowling plans, Rathour backed captain Riyan Parag’s decision-making. He noted that the 18th over was handed to Donovan Ferreira, even though it ultimately cost RR as Delhi capitalised. “It is the captain who makes decisions. He is backing his gut feel. Our option was to bring six bowlers. But when we lost wickets quickly, we picked Dasun Shanaka as an impact sub. Otherwise, we could have picked up a bowler as an Impact Player. There are some plans discussed with the analyst and coach, but out there on the pitch, it is the captain who takes the ball,” Rathour explained.
He further clarified that Parag did not bowl due to a hamstring issue, which narrowed RR’s available options during a crucial phase of the game.
Despite the defeat, Rathour remained upbeat about Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise and dismissed suggestions that the youngster might struggle against slower deliveries. “Nobody is perfect in this world,” he said. “Everyone will have some weakness. I do not think Vaibhav has a weakness against slower balls. On such a wicket where the ball is gripping, a change of pace is good against any batter, not just Vaibhav.”
Rathour also praised the youngster’s influence at the top, describing him as a special talent. “Enough has been said about his ability, and he provided us with a great start. I hope he converts one of these innings and goes deep. It is not too far with the way he is batting.”
So far in IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has been steadily piling up runs, scoring 486 runs in 12 innings at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 234.78. His tally includes one century and two fifties, and he is currently RR’s leading run-scorer this season.
In the match itself, Sooryavanshi’s early assault helped RR gather momentum, with he and Jurel assembling a 70-run partnership. Parag then added further weight to the innings, contributing 51 off 26 balls. However, once the score moved to 162/2, RR’s batting collapsed under pressure as Starc finished with 4/39, while Lungi Ngidi took 2/24 and Madhav Tiwari claimed 2/27.
Delhi’s chase was powered by two key half-centuries. Abhisek Porel struck 51, and KL Rahul made 56, giving the visitors a platform to chase with control. Axar Patel (34*) and Ashutosh Sharma (18*) then closed out the job, with Delhi Capitals sealing a five-wicket win with four balls remaining.
