Rajasthan Royals may have found a fresh headline name in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but the teenager’s rapid rise has also created an uncomfortable subplot for Yashasvi Jaiswal. As the IPL 2026 season has unfolded, Sooryavanshi has moved ahead in impact for the franchise, and former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes the noise around the 15-year-old’s emergence has contributed to Jaiswal’s quieter campaign so far.
Sooryavanshi’s breakout and the pressure around Jaiswal
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he was surprised by the way Jaiswal has gone about his batting this season for Rajasthan. In his view, the form and momentum coming from Sooryavanshi at the other end—alongside Jaiswal at the top—has disturbed the rhythm Jaiswal typically relies on.
- Ashwin described Jaiswal’s current output as “slightly underwhelming” and said he expected more from him.
- He suggested Sooryavanshi’s aggressive performances as an opening partner have “rattled” Jaiswal and left him slightly off balance.
- Ashwin added that in several matches Jaiswal has looked to hit too hard, leading to dismissals while trying to force the tempo.
Drawing parallels with Test cricket: Sehwag and Aakash Chopra
To explain the dynamic, Ashwin compared the situation to a familiar Test opening story involving Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra for India. He argued that when Sehwag batted in his distinctive, high-gear style, it often made the other opener appear less visible—even if that batter was still doing a competent job.
- Ashwin recalled how Aakash Chopra typically provided steady starts of roughly 30 or 40 runs, but Sehwag’s batting style tended to overshadow him.
- He clarified that Chopra still performed well, including during an Australian tour, but the “manner” of Sehwag’s batting changed how the partnership was perceived.
- Ashwin said the same kind of effect might be happening now: Sooryavanshi’s fierce batting, in his estimation, has thrown Jaiswal off slightly.
Why Jaiswal may need support—and what he has achieved before
Ashwin said he genuinely wants Jaiswal to bat well, stressing that the Rajasthan opener has the talent to deliver. He also pointed to the broader narrative of the season for the franchise: while Sooryavanshi has been the central storyline, Rajasthan has still managed to get the right responses when required, citing that Jofra Archer stepped up on the day he was needed. Ashwin then pivoted to Mumbai Indians, calling their campaign extremely underwhelming and saying that a target in that context was chaseable.
- Ashwin said he wants to see Jaiswal succeed because of his ability.
- He noted that Rajasthan’s season story has largely revolved around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- He added that when Jofra Archer was called upon, he also “stepped up.”
- Ashwin commented that Mumbai Indians have been “very, very, very, very underwhelming” this season and that the chase in that match was beatable.
From Orange Cap and milestones to a tougher rhythm
When pressed to deepen his analysis, Ashwin argued that Jaiswal needs an arm around his shoulders and some steadier support. He framed the issue around how the “most exciting batter” label has shifted away from Jaiswal and onto Sooryavanshi at Rajasthan. Ashwin then reminded viewers of Jaiswal’s past performances and momentum across formats.
- He said that in 2024, Jaiswal was the backup opener when India won the World Cup.
- Ashwin highlighted that Jaiswal later won the Orange Cap for Rajasthan Royals.
- He referenced Jaiswal’s strong Test debut and described his Test record as being on a “completely different dimension.”
- In ODI cricket, Ashwin noted that Jaiswal scored a century in his most recent match at the time of the discussion.
- He described Jaiswal over the past two or three years as India’s most dependable, exciting, and entertaining batsman.
Ashwin also offered a psychological explanation for why a player’s environment can change so quickly. He said that when a youngster like Jaiswal enters the national setup at a young age, the mindset becomes focused on breaking records and improving relentlessly. Jaiswal, in Ashwin’s view, had been the talk of the cricket world for the previous couple of years—until Sooryavanshi appeared in front of Rajasthan’s “poster boy” spotlight and began turning attention and expectations toward himself.
Empathy for Jaiswal: mentorship and mental support suggested
Ashwin ended by expressing empathy for the India international, arguing that it is not easy to deal with sudden changes in the spotlight. While he credited Sooryavanshi for the recognition he deserves, Ashwin said Jaiswal also needs understanding and guidance—someone to talk him through the mental challenges that can come with pressure, comparisons, and the feeling of being sidelined.
- Ashwin said credit must be given to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but Jaiswal also deserves empathy.
- He argued that Jaiswal needs personal support—“an arm around Jaiswal’s shoulder”—and conversations that help him steady his confidence.
- Ashwin said he believes Jaiswal may have entered the season expecting consistent runs, a chance to win the Orange Cap again, and a strong strike rate—along with the aim of securing his place back in India’s T20 squad.
- He said Sooryavanshi’s arrival has pushed everyone else into the background and made him the centre of discussion.
- Ashwin suggested that Rajasthan Royals should consider mentorship or even bring in a psychologist to help players handle such pressure.
In Ashwin’s view, the situation is “definitely not easy,” and the best way forward is to ensure Jaiswal receives the emotional and mental backing needed to regain his usual form and focus.
