Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already turning heads in IPL 2026 with his batting, yet there’s a lingering question about how the Rajasthan Royals are managing one crucial part of his game. For a pair of consecutive matches, the Royals have chosen to keep the 15-year-old out of the fielding XI and instead use him as an impact batter—an approach that has sparked curiosity, and it has now emerged that Sooryavanshi wasn’t entirely thrilled when he first found out.
Why the Royals are using Sooryavanshi as an impact batter
Sooryavanshi’s latest stint on the bench with the gloves came during Rajasthan’s matchday setup against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Prior to that, he had been used in the same role in the previous game as well—meaning he spent consecutive contests contributing primarily with the bat rather than taking his usual place in the field.
- In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi was kept out of the fielding innings for two matches in a row, and used as an impact player/batter instead.
- In both fixtures, the decision meant he did not take the field during Sunrisers’ and RCB’s innings.
From Guwahati to Hyderabad: Sooryavanshi’s impact with the bat
Sooryavanshi first featured as an impact substitute in IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions, last week at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. In that same game, his batting statement was loud and clear—he struck 78 runs off just 26 deliveries.
On Monday, the left-handed batter once again appeared as an impact player, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. As a result, he was not on the field when Riyan Parag won the toss and decided to bowl.
- Vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (defending champions): 78 off 26 balls as an impact sub at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati.
- Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: used again as an impact player at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad; not in the field when Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bowl.
Trevor Penny explains the youngster’s reaction and the selection logic
During Hyderabad’s innings, Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penny was asked about the reasoning behind using Sooryavanshi as the impact player. Penny revealed that the U19 World Cup winner isn’t completely comfortable with the arrangement because he enjoys fielding and wants to be out there giving his best for the side.
Penny also clarified that the benching decision wasn’t made from the start of the campaign. He said the early matches were influenced by the fitness status of Donovan Ferreira, who was dealing with an injury. With Ferreira now having recovered, the Royals have had to revert to using Sooryavanshi in the impact role.
Penny’s message, shared during the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers and Royals, was that Sooryavanshi wasn’t happy about missing out in a recent game because he loves his fielding, stressing that it isn’t a reflection of his ability in that department. He added that Ferreira has cleared his fitness test, noting that Ferreira suffered a collarbone injury in SA20 and has since returned. Penny finished by saying that Ferreira’s availability is a boost for the team’s fielding, even though it unfortunately means Sooryavanshi misses out on being on the field.
- Penny said Sooryavanshi is not too happy with the impact-batter approach because he loves fielding and wants to play it hard for the team.
- Penny said the decision wasn’t taken in the initial games because Donovan Ferreira was nursing an injury.
- Penny confirmed Donovan Ferreira has passed his fitness test after breaking his collarbone in SA20.
- Penny described Ferreira as a “gun fielder,” implying the team benefits from having him back on the field.
- Penny added that, as a result, Sooryavanshi misses out on fielding opportunities.
Sooryavanshi’s season so far: the batting surge continues
Before IPL 2026 began, there was a belief that Sooryavanshi might struggle in his second season because opponents would have more time to craft plans to stop him. That assumption has been challenged. Through the early stages of the 19th edition of the T20 tournament, the youngster has continued to find another gear, punishing “tried and tested” bowlers with ease.
He has already taken on and struck the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood. So far in IPL 2026, he has two half-centuries, and both of those fifties have come off only 15 balls each.
Sooryavanshi also made a major impression last year, announcing himself at the big level by smashing a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans. That knock was the fastest century by an Indian in T20 cricket at the time of the feat.
- Sooryavanshi has two IPL 2026 half-centuries so far, and both were scored from 15 balls.
- He has already hit big against Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood.
- Last year, he registered a 35-ball century vs Gujarat Titans, described as the fastest T20 century by an Indian.
