Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to draw attention whenever he steps onto the field. The 15-year-old has been one of the most productive batters in IPL 2026, already striking two half-centuries in just 15 balls. In Rajasthan Royals’ opening four IPL 2026 fixtures—before their contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday—his scores were 52, 31, 39 and 78. Against SRH on Monday, however, Sooryavanshi was brought in only as an Impact Player, prompting discussion around the team’s thinking.
Sooryavanshi’s role and the coaching explanation
Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penny addressed the decision during the SRH vs RR match on Monday. Penny suggested that while the youngster is keen to contribute with the ball in hand, the final XI/combination meant he had to be used differently.
- Penny said Sooryavanshi was disappointed after missing out on fielding in the previous match because he “loves his fielding”.
- He emphasised it was not due to any lack of ability, saying the decision wasn’t because Sooryavanshi is a poor fielder.
- Penny pointed out that Donovan has passed his fitness test and described him as a “gun fielder”, making it beneficial for the team to include him back on the field.
- He concluded by noting that, as a result, Sooryavanshi had to miss out.
How SRH halted Rajasthan’s momentum
SRH ultimately brought an end to RR’s winning run. Two bowlers, Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain—both from Vidarbha and Bihar respectively—helped set the tone early, before Rajasthan were restricted to 159 all out versus Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- RR were bowled out for 159 against SRH.
- SRH replied with 216/6, sealing the win.
- This result broke Rajasthan’s four-match winning streak.
- With the victory, SRH registered their second win of the season while also suffering three defeats.
- Rajasthan absorbed their first loss of the campaign but stayed in first place on the table.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad moved up to fourth position with two wins and three losses.
Ishan Kishan’s surge powers SRH to 216/6
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings was driven by their skipper, Ishan Kishan, who produced a sharp 91 in 44 balls. His knock came at a crucial time as SRH had lost Abhishek Sharma for 0 and Travis Head for 18 early in the chase of a competitive total.
- Kishan struck eight fours and six sixes in his 91.
- The innings included contributions that kept the run-rate climbing: Heinrich Klaasen made 40 off 26 balls.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy added a quick 28, coming off the pace in a shorter spell (noted as “28” in the report).
- Salil Arora finished unbeaten on 24 off 13 deliveries.
RR bowling and the final outcome
Rajasthan fought back with the ball but could not contain the SRH momentum. Jofra Archer provided a key wicket-taking spell for RR, taking 2/37 from his four overs.
In the end, SRH’s 216/6 proved too much for Rajasthan’s 159 all out, giving Sunrisers a win and reshuffling the points—Rajasthan remaining top despite the defeat, and SRH climbing to fourth with their improved record.
