Every bit of build-up for the IPL 2026 clash between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians revolved around one headline duel: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking on Jasprit Bumrah. The left-handed batter had been carving through opposition bowling in the last year or so, but Bumrah was always going to be a stern test. At Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, though, Sooryavanshi delivered a statement performance—showing he was not going to shrink in front of even the finest pacers.
Sooryavanshi vs Bumrah: the first over set the tone
From the moment the chase (or rather, the contest) began, Sooryavanshi looked like he belonged at the highest level. He struck a six off Bumrah on the very first ball he faced, dispatching an “absolute slot” delivery for maximum over the mid-on boundary. Shortly after, Bumrah tried to bowl short, and the teenager again rocked onto the back foot and cleared the ropes for another six.
Although Sooryavanshi’s stay at the crease lasted just 14 balls, the impact was enormous. In that brief spell, he hammered 39 runs and left a clear imprint on the game’s momentum.
Hardik Pandya’s reaction after Rajasthan’s win
When the dust settled after Rajasthan Royals secured a comfortable 27-run victory, the post-match atmosphere turned warm. Players from both teams exchanged pleasantries, and that’s when the cameras caught a memorable moment between Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and the standout youngster.
- Hardik paused for a moment right before he was set to shake hands with Sooryavanshi.
- The teenager appeared visibly overawed by the occasion.
- Hardik repeatedly patted Sooryavanshi’s chest as a mark of approval.
- It looked like a direct acknowledgement of the talent he had just witnessed on the biggest stage.
Hardik didn’t stop with the gestures either. Speaking to the broadcaster after the loss against Rajasthan Royals, the Mumbai skipper said he was genuinely impressed by the fearlessness Vaibhav brings to his batting.
“It’s quite fascinating to see a 15-year-old boy playing the way he played. At the same point of time, discussing so much about him in the preparation leading up to the game. So yeah, amazing to see the way he bats, the kind of fearlessness he has, the kind of shots he has,” Hardik said.
He then added, “I wish him absolute good luck in the future.”
Match details: Rajasthan’s 150/3 and Mumbai’s chase
On the field, Rajasthan Royals set the tone early. They posted 150/3 in 11 overs in a rain-affected contest after being put in to bat first.
- Rajasthan reached 150/3 in 11 overs.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal finished unbeaten on 77.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 39.
In response, Mumbai Indians fell 27 runs short. They were reduced to 123/9 after Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi each struck twice.
- Mumbai ended on 123/9.
- Rajasthan won by 27 runs.
- Nandre Burger took 2 wickets, Sandeep Sharma took 2 wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi took 2 wickets.
