Young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was “not happy” during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the team’s coaching staff later clarifying that the issue had nothing to do with his batting performance.

According to Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penny, the 15-year-old prodigy was unhappy because he was used as an Impact Player, which meant he did not get an opportunity to contribute on the field. Sooryavanshi, known for his all-round involvement and energy, reportedly enjoys fielding and was disappointed to miss out on that aspect of the game.

“The last game he missed out on, he wasn’t very happy because he loves his fielding,” Penny said, adding that the decision was purely tactical and not a reflection of his abilities. The team management opted for a different combination, especially after South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira regained fitness and returned to the playing XI, limiting Sooryavanshi’s role.

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Sooryavanshi has been one of the standout performers for Rajasthan Royals this season, registering impressive scores of 52, 31, 39, and 78 in his first few matches. His explosive batting has made him one of the most exciting young talents in the league, drawing widespread attention despite his age.

However, in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he endured a rare failure, getting dismissed for a golden duck as Rajasthan suffered a heavy defeat. The match also saw SRH’s debutant pacers dominate, further compounding a difficult outing for the Royals.

Despite the brief frustration, team officials stressed that Sooryavanshi remains a key part of Rajasthan’s plans. The decision to use him as an Impact Player was described as a strategic call based on team balance, rather than any concern over his form or fielding ability.

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