Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s stay at the crease was short-lived as Rajasthan Royals suffered a major setback in a must-win encounter on Sunday. The 15-year-old left-hander was dismissed by Deepak Chahar for four runs off six balls, striking a blow to RR’s chase of momentum after a promising start was undone in the Powerplay.
Sooryavanshi, opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, began cautiously and failed to accelerate early. Jaiswal, though, had been tasked with giving Rajasthan the kind of rapid start they needed. That responsibility lasted only until Jaiswal’s dismissal, when Will Jacks removed him and shifted the pressure squarely onto Sooryavanshi to keep the innings moving.
Almost immediately after that wicket, Sooryavanshi tried to make something happen with a big swing. However, just two deliveries after Jaiswal departed, the teenager sliced the ball into the air, and Naman Dhir sprinted in from deep point to take the catch and end Sooryavanshi’s contribution.
Match build-up and toss
- Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bowl first in their final league match of the season, a contest Rajasthan Royals had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
- The game was played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai under hot and humid conditions, adding to the challenge for both teams, particularly in the daytime.
- MI made a tactical change by resting senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah and bringing Deepak Chahar into the playing XI.
- Rajasthan Royals responded with three changes, with captain Riyan Parag, Nandre Burger, and Ravindra Jadeja all included.
Captains’ views
Hardik Pandya said the team preferred to bowl first because the pitch tends to play differently in afternoon conditions. He noted that the surface generally becomes better later once the sun eases, adding that MI wanted to give their best after making the decision at the toss. He also acknowledged that Mumbai had endured a tough season and were aiming to make the most of this crucial opportunity.
Riyan Parag, speaking for Rajasthan Royals, stressed that the side had to treat the match as their best possible chance since they required a win to secure the fourth spot in the playoffs. Parag also pointed out that Rajasthan were one point behind Punjab Kings, making this meeting even more important, and added that they would approach the game with maximum preparation and intent rather than relying on other results.
