IPL 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi tells how he capitalized on the Powerplay; Riyan Parag tells how team keeps him happy
Just three days after his 15th birthday, Vaibhav Suryavanshi kicked off the 2026 IPL season with a blistering half-century off just 15 balls—a feat made all the more remarkable given that the Chennai Super Kings had been bowled out for a mere 127 runs on that very same pitch.
Suryavanshi revealed that the Rajasthan Royals' strategy was to make the ost of the Powerplay, which is why they adopted an aggressive approach. Speaking after Rajasthan's eight-wicket victory, Suryavanshi said, "Our plan was to execute the Powerplay effectively. Initially, the wicket seemed a bit slow, but as the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat nicely."
"I do think about playing defensively as well, but today our specific plan was to go hard during the Powerplay. In matches involving a low target, the outcome is often decided within the Powerplay itself. Had the bowling team performed well during the Powerplay, the match could have easily swung in their favor. However, we went all out on the attack, and our Powerplay went exceptionally well."
Suryavanshi was given a lifeline on the very first ball he faced when CSK debutant Kartik Sharma dropped a catch—a difficult chance—at deep mid-wicket. By the end of the Powerplay, he had raced to 52 runs off just 16 balls, an innings studded with five sixes and four fours. The Royals' score stood at 70 runs for no loss after 6 overs.
'RR management had given him the freedom to play his natural game'
He added that the RR management had given him the freedom to play his natural game, and his preparations leading up to the season had also been excellent.
Surayavanshi said, "They simply told me, 'We are backing you; just go out there and play your natural game. They treated me exceptionally well. Our practice sessions were also very productive. We arrived here a bit early, which allowed for thorough preparation. Their message was simple: 'Just play your game, read the match situation, and play accordingly. Above all, have faith in your own abilities.'"
Suryavanshi had made his IPL debut in 2025 at the age of 14. He played seven matches for RR, scored the second-fastest century in IPL history (in 35 balls), and amassed 252 runs during the season at a strike rate of 206.55.
Suryavanshi will play all 14 matches of the 2026 season: Riyan Parag
RR captain Riyan Parag stated that he has assured Suryavanshi that he will play all 14 matches of the 2026 season, regardless of his performance. He also advised Suryavanshi to stay away from the "outside noise." "I tell him, 'You will play all 14 matches, come what may. What is being said on the outside shouldn't matter to you.'"
Team even provides him with his favorite breakfast
In a lighthearted manner, Parag also revealed that the team gives Suryavanshi ample batting opportunities in the nets—and even provides him with his favorite breakfast—to keep him happy. "He absolutely loves batting, so we ensure he gets plenty of time in the nets. If he feels like eating something specific, that is also made available to him."
Teammates watch Suryavanshi's batting with the sense of awe
Parag further added that he and his teammates watch Suryavanshi's batting with the same sense of awe as the spectators do. He remarked, "When Dhruv (Jurel) and I were sitting in the dugout—two or three overs into the innings—and saw the way he was batting, we just kept looking at each other. The wicket was playing a bit slow, yet he was still hitting shots like that. We watch him just like the people sitting in the stands do; we, too, are left amazed by his batting. He is a truly gifted talent, and I am delighted that he is part of our team."