Gujarat Titans assistant coach Parthiv Patel has admitted that dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi early will be one of the team's biggest priorities when they face Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 on Friday.
Sooryavanshi's Stellar Form
The 15-year-old batting sensation enters the knockout clash in exceptional form after producing one of the most destructive innings ever seen in an IPL playoff match. Sooryavanshi scored 97 runs off just 29 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator, hitting 12 sixes and completely dismantling SRH's bowling attack.
The Rajasthan Royals opener also equaled Suresh Raina's record for the fastest IPL playoff half-century, reaching the milestone in only 16 balls. He came agonizingly close to breaking Chris Gayle's all-time record for the fastest IPL century before falling three runs short. However, Sooryavanshi surpassed Gayle's long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, taking his tally to 65 maximums.
GT's Plans to Contain the Teenage Star
With Rajasthan Royals preparing to face Gujarat Titans for a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, much attention has shifted to how GT plans to contain the teenage superstar.
Speaking ahead of the clash in New Chandigarh, Parthiv Patel acknowledged Sooryavanshi's extraordinary form and revealed that Gujarat Titans have already spent time analyzing his batting closely.
"I am feeling good about the way he is batting. Hopefully, we will try to take him out early in the game. As all the teams are planning, we have seen the videos. Hopefully, we will be able to execute our plan. But what it is, we will be able to tell you when we are on the ground," Patel told reporters.
Patel also praised the youngster's fearless batting approach while making it clear that GT would prefer not to see him settle at the crease.
"He has been a phenomenal talent, just the way he has been playing. It's great to see. From the opposition's point of view, we hope that he doesn't get going tomorrow," he added.
Key Battle: Sooryavanshi vs GT's Pace Attack
One of the key contests in Qualifier 2 is expected to be Sooryavanshi's battle against Gujarat Titans' pace attack, particularly new-ball bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a staggering season with the bat, scoring 680 runs in 15 innings at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 242.85. His campaign includes one century, four fifties, 55 fours, and 65 sixes, underlining the sheer dominance he has displayed throughout IPL 2026.
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