IPL 2026: Ashwin Teases Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Gets A Brilliant Reply

Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi capped a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign by finishing as the tournament's highest run-scorer and claiming the Orange Cap, despite his team falling short of the title. The teenager amassed an impressive 776 runs in 16 matches, emerging as one of the standout performers of the season and cementing his reputation as one of Indian cricket's brightest young talents.

Following the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, former India all-rounder R Ashwin playfully remarked that the only major batting award Sooryavanshi missed was for hitting the most fours. Responding to the light-hearted comment, the Rajasthan Royals batter revealed that he has been working extensively on his red-ball game and hopes to showcase a different side of his batting in the near future.

Sooryavanshi said he has spent considerable time practising with the red ball and is preparing for upcoming assignments in the one-day format. He added that while fans have primarily seen his aggressive T20 batting, they will soon witness other aspects of his game. The youngster's comments reflected his determination to evolve beyond the explosive style that brought him success in the IPL.

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Addressing perceptions about his fearless approach, Sooryavanshi explained that his attacking mindset stems from confidence rather than necessity. He said coaches have given him the freedom to play aggressively in T20 cricket and that he attempts big shots because he believes in his ability to execute them successfully. According to the batter, his stroke play is driven by self-belief rather than pressure to entertain.

The 15-year-old also expressed his ambition to represent India in Test cricket, describing the longest format as the pinnacle of the sport. He credited his father for instilling that belief and acknowledged that his limited opportunities in red-ball cricket, including appearances in the Ranji Trophy, had presented significant challenges. However, he stressed that he remains committed to improving that aspect of his game.

Sooryavanshi's stellar IPL season earned him multiple individual honours, including Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Orange Cap winner, and Super Sixes of the Season. With a record-breaking campaign behind him and aspirations extending across all formats, the teenager has positioned himself as one of the most closely watched prospects in Indian cricket.

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