Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may only be in his second IPL season, but his early impact has already turned heads around the league. The 15-year-old burst onto the biggest stage in IPL 2025 by smashing the second-fastest century in the tournament’s history against Gujarat Titans. After that campaign, he stepped into the Under-19 World Cup and delivered another statement performance, striking 175 in the final. This year, he has again started with intent, registering scores of 52 and 31 in two matches for Rajasthan Royals. On Tuesday, Rajasthan Royals will take on Mumbai Indians, with Sooryavanshi set to face one of the most challenging bowlers in the world—Jasprit Bumrah.
Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise from IPL to Under-19 glory
Sooryavanshi’s reputation has grown quickly because his big moments have come in quick succession. In IPL 2025, he announced himself with a blistering century versus Gujarat Titans, a knock that ranked as the second-fastest century in IPL history. That breakthrough was followed by Under-19 World Cup action, where he produced a sensational 175 in the final. Now, with the focus back on franchise cricket, he has started the current IPL season well, scoring 52 and 31 in Rajasthan Royals’ first two games.
Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians: the key matchup
Rajasthan Royals’ batting unit will be under the microscope when they line up against Mumbai Indians in Guwahati on Tuesday—Mumbai’s first IPL match in the venue. A matchup expected to draw plenty of attention features RR’s batting trio, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel facing Mumbai’s premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah.
- Sooryavanshi, Jaiswal, and Jurel will be tested against Jasprit Bumrah
- Mumbai Indians are set to play their first IPL game in Guwahati
MI’s bowling plan: Paras Mhambrey on preparing for Sooryavanshi
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Mumbai Indians bowling coach Paras Mhambrey stressed that there is nothing unfamiliar about Sooryavanshi. He pointed out that the youngster is in his second year and has already had a full year’s worth of experience, while also highlighting how solid the teenager’s batting has been.
Mhambrey added that Mumbai’s preparation will be tailored but not treated differently from other players—meaning the team will plan for Sooryavanshi in the same detailed manner as they do for the rest of the opposition.
- Sooryavanshi is in his second IPL year and has already played for a season
- Mhambrey said the youngster has been batting well and is a known talent
- MI will prepare for Sooryavanshi like they prepare for every other batter
Bumrah’s “disguise” and the ability to outthink batters
Mhambrey’s comments then shifted to Bumrah, stressing the special challenge he brings. He highlighted that Bumrah’s variations can be hard to read, and that the bowler’s ability to disguise deliveries makes it difficult for batters to commit to a plan.
He described Bumrah as someone who doesn’t just bowl fast or vary pace, but also presents options in ways that batters don’t anticipate. Mhambrey used England as a “classic example,” pointing to a ball from the match that appeared slower than anyone could have expected. In his view, Bumrah’s USP is the combination of anticipating what batters are thinking and delivering an alternative that the batter is not expecting.
- Mhambrey said Bumrah’s deliveries are difficult for batters to read
- He highlighted Bumrah’s ability to disguise what is coming
- He stressed that you cannot enter a game assuming what Bumrah will do
- He cited an England match moment—Bumrah’s first-ball slower delivery that surprised everyone
- His conclusion: Bumrah’s standout skill is presenting an unexpected option based on what batters are thinking
