Former Rajasthan Royals director of cricket operations Zubin Bharucha, who played a pivotal role in discovering and introducing young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the franchise, has come to the defense of the left-handed batter following criticism over the teenager's fielding during IPL 2026. Bharucha asserted that Sooryavanshi possesses the qualities necessary to further enhance his skills.
Sooryavanshi's Stellar Batting Amid Fielding Concerns
Despite topping the run charts, hitting the most sixes, and maintaining the highest strike rate in IPL 2026, questions have been raised about Sooryavanshi's fielding and overall game. Former India cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Mohammad Kaif recently pointed out areas where the Rajasthan Royals batter still needs improvement.
Manjrekar and Kaif's Criticism
Speaking to Sportstar, Manjrekar questioned Rajasthan Royals' decision to use Sooryavanshi as an Impact Player in several matches and suggested that the youngster should be tested in pressure situations on the field.
"Isn't a cricketer somebody who bats well and fields well as well? Vaibhav Sooryavanshi... you want to see him on the field and also see what happens when he is put under pressure as well. If he's a great batter but a slight liability on the field, I'd like to see that exploited," Manjrekar said.
Kaif also highlighted Sooryavanshi's fielding during Rajasthan Royals' match against Delhi Capitals last week.
"It's painful to watch the fielding in this IPL. Today Yash Raj dropped KL when he was on zero. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi too misfielded. The young boy hasn't taken a catch this season," Kaif wrote on X. "While playing for India he needs to be sharper on the field. It is the duty of coaches to teach youngsters fielding skills. On their part, the boys should enjoy fielding and take pride in it."
Bharucha's Defense and Praise
Responding to the criticism, Bharucha backed the youngster and praised his overall game.
"Vaibhav possesses rare qualities such as batting, fielding, the ability to read the game, and team spirit, which set him apart from other players. His fielding abilities are quite mature for his age," he said, while speaking to Dainik Jagran.
"He has exceptionally safe hands and impressive field movement. He has everything he needs to improve his fielding skills. As his physical strength and fitness improve, he will become a faster, more agile, and more nimble player," he added.
Bharucha also noted that fielding is an area every modern cricketer needs to keep improving and added that Sooryavanshi is willing to work hard and learn.
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