Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested that Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal may be feeling the pressure of batting alongside teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following the team’s exit from IPL 2026. The remarks came after Rajasthan Royals were eliminated in Qualifier 2, where they lost to Gujarat Titans by seven wickets.

Despite the defeat, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finished the season as one of the standout performers, scoring 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and an exceptional strike rate of 237.31. The 15-year-old opener’s fearless batting style and rapid scoring ability made him one of the most talked-about players of the tournament.

In contrast, Yashasvi Jaiswal had a comparatively subdued campaign, accumulating 427 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 152.50. Chopra noted that Jaiswal was often dismissed early while attempting to match the aggressive intent of his opening partner.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra compared Sooryavanshi’s impact to a “tsunami,” suggesting that even established players might find it difficult to maintain their natural rhythm alongside such explosive batting. He added that Jaiswal appeared to be trying to replicate that aggression, which may have contributed to his inconsistency.

Chopra cautioned that while Jaiswal’s season was “middling,” it was important for the young opener not to lose his natural game. He expressed hope that the batter would regain his balance and continue his development without being overshadowed.

Rajasthan Royals’ campaign also featured notable contributions from Dhruv Jurel, who scored 515 runs in a versatile middle-order role, and fast bowler Jofra Archer, who claimed 25 wickets. Archer’s early breakthroughs in the powerplay were particularly influential in helping the team reach the Qualifier 2 stage.

Chopra also praised Donovan Ferreira for his role as a finisher, highlighting the South African’s ability to provide late-innings acceleration when required. Despite strong individual performances, Rajasthan Royals ultimately fell short of reaching the final.

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