Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has continued to rise quickly, and his standout showings in the IPL 2026 have now earned him a call-up to the India A squad for the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka. The 15-year-old burst onto the 19th edition of the T20 league with real momentum, but his recent run has been marked by starts that haven’t turned into bigger innings. With a grudge-match against the Delhi Capitals on the horizon, the youngster will be keen to change that pattern.
Quick facts
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been selected for the India A squad for the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka.
- He is 15 years old and has been in strong form in IPL 2026, though recent innings have lacked big conversions.
- In the earlier meeting vs Delhi at Jaipur, he lasted only two balls before getting bowled and dismissed by Kyle Jamieson.
- Delhi assistant coach Ian Bell said the team are well prepared for Sooryavanshi and wants his wicket early.
- Bell declined to share the exact bowling approach ahead of the match on Sunday, May 17.
- Sooryavanshi is the Royals’ leading run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 440 runs from 11 games.
Sooryavanshi’s previous encounter with Delhi ended abruptly. In that first contest at Jaipur, he survived for just two deliveries before his stumps were disturbed by Kyle Jamieson. The left-handed batter will be looking to put that dismissal behind him and make his mark against a bowling attack that includes the likes of Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi.
Ahead of the Royals’ clash, Delhi assistant coach Ian Bell stressed that his side have done their homework on how to handle the young opener. While he acknowledged Sooryavanshi’s threat, Bell also kept details close to the chest regarding what his bowlers will attempt on Sunday, May 17.
In the pre-match press conference, Bell said he didn’t want to reveal too much, noting that similar comments had been made previously as well. He described Sooryavanshi as an exceptional young talent and said the priority will be to remove him early, especially because Rajasthan Royals can cause damage if he stays at the crease long enough.
Bell added that the Royals’ previous success against him would only add hunger. “The guys would have done a lot of work,” he said, implying that Sooryavanshi will be motivated to set the record straight after being dismissed early last time—something top players typically feel they must do.
Keeping ahead of plans
With his India A selection also in focus, Bell’s advice to the youngster was centred on continuous improvement. He pointed out that both international cricket and IPL cricket bring constant adaptation, as opponents study a player’s tendencies, devise strategies, and even use more analysis and video-based preparation.
In that environment, Bell said, the key is to keep evolving—because once teams begin to plan properly, the player must respond with smarter batting and fresh decision-making. He also highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s natural ability and the support around him give him a strong platform to keep progressing.
Bell further referenced the guidance Sooryavanshi is receiving, naming Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara as part of the coaching environment around him. He suggested that it’s only a matter of time before the talent is seen in India colours as well, calling him a particularly exciting prospect to watch.
On the numbers, Sooryavanshi is currently the Royals’ leading run-getter in IPL 2026. He has amassed 440 runs in 11 games, reinforcing why Delhi will aim to strike early when the match gets underway on May 17.
