Rajasthan Royals have found an unlikely but effective balance at the top of the order this IPL, with Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping into a senior batting role alongside 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Even with the wide age gap, the pair have repeatedly delivered, combining Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach from ball one with Jaiswal’s aggressive yet measured style. The youngster has looked to attack immediately, aiming to find the boundary early, while Jaiswal has offered the steadier hand—taking on bowlers with intent but also keeping the innings structured. That blend has made them a tough opening combination to disrupt, and it has played a meaningful part in RR staying firmly in the hunt for the playoffs this season.
The chemistry between them was on display again in the match against Punjab Kings. In the opening stand, Sooryavanshi struck 43 during a 51-run partnership, while Jaiswal contributed 51 off 27 deliveries. With Sooryavanshi pressing hard for runs, Jaiswal appeared content to let his young partner take centre stage as the chase gathered momentum. The duo’s early dominance set the foundation for RR to complete the chase and, in the process, bring Punjab Kings’ unbeaten run to an end.
After the game, Jaiswal praised Sooryavanshi for another high-impact opening spell. He said he genuinely enjoys watching his partner carry the game forward from the other end and highlighted the fearless mindset Sooryavanshi has brought to the top of the order in the current campaign. “It’s amazing. I really enjoy batting with him (Sooryavanshi). He is playing amazing so I’m always happy seeing the other end, the way he’s hitting the ball,” Jaiswal said following the match.
When asked whether he feels like a senior figure in the partnership, Jaiswal pushed back on the idea, stressing that he is still relatively young himself. “I don’t think so, I’m older. I’m still very young, but of course, the way he is and he’s quite young. So, I don’t know what to say about it, to be honest,” he added.
Jaiswal also explained Rajasthan’s thinking during the chase, describing a clear plan from the start: keep attacking and back themselves to strike whenever the ball came into their scoring areas. He noted that RR were aware the pitch would suit batting, making a strong start essential—especially with the target requiring them to push beyond 200. “We knew that it’s a high-scoring ground. So we have to keep the intent and we have to go whenever we feel like. So I was also thinking, okay, if it is in my range, so I’m gonna hit it. We needed a good start because we have to score more than 200 runs. So it was pretty clear that we are going to hit the ball if it is in our arc,” Jaiswal said.
