Kagiso Rabada praised Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the teenager’s explosive 96-run knock in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2. Despite Gujarat Titans securing a place in the final, Rabada admitted the young opener’s fearless batting, natural talent, and remarkable consistency continue to astonish players and fans alike.
Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has showered praise on Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the young opener produced yet another breathtaking innings during IPL 2026 Qualifier 2. Although Gujarat Titans secured a convincing seven-wicket victory to book their place in the IPL final, much of the post-match discussion revolved around the extraordinary batting display of the 15-year-old star.
Sooryavanshi’s sensational 96-run knock once again demonstrated why he has become one of the most talked-about players of the tournament. The Rajasthan Royals opener fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century but left a lasting impression with his fearless strokeplay, remarkable confidence, and ability to dominate experienced bowlers on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Speaking after the match, Rabada admitted that Sooryavanshi continues to surprise everyone associated with the competition. The South African pacer highlighted the youngster’s quick reflexes, fearless mentality, and instinctive understanding of the game as key reasons behind his outstanding performances throughout the season.
According to Rabada, the teenager possesses exceptional hand speed and an impressive ability to read bowlers quickly. He noted that Sooryavanshi plays with immense energy and confidence, characteristics often associated with young players who compete without fear. Rabada emphasized that the Rajasthan opener’s natural instincts have allowed him to thrive under pressure and consistently deliver match-winning performances.
The Gujarat Titans pacer also stated that discussions regarding the youngster’s age are becoming increasingly irrelevant. In his view, what matters most is the level of performance Sooryavanshi has displayed throughout IPL 2026. Rabada acknowledged that achieving such consistency at such a young age is extraordinary and deserves recognition from the cricketing world.
During the Qualifier 2 clash, Gujarat Titans initially gained control by claiming two early wickets. However, Rajasthan Royals responded strongly through a magnificent recovery led by Sooryavanshi. His aggressive approach put Gujarat’s bowling attack under significant pressure and shifted momentum back in Rajasthan’s favour for a considerable period.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s bowling strategy, Rabada admitted that his side did not execute all their plans perfectly. While the team aimed to exploit its strengths and attack aggressively with the new ball, some deliveries did not land in the desired areas. He acknowledged that Gujarat bowled more short deliveries than intended and would have preferred to challenge Rajasthan’s batters with fuller lengths.
Despite Rajasthan’s impressive fightback, Gujarat Titans remained confident about their chances. Rabada explained that although the opposition managed to gain momentum in the middle overs, his team believed wickets could still change the course of the match. That belief ultimately helped Gujarat regain control and restrict further damage.
Rajasthan Royals eventually posted a formidable total of 214 for 6, aided by a late flourish from Donovan Ferreira. Rabada admitted that Gujarat would ideally have preferred to keep the score closer to the 180-190 range. However, he credited Rajasthan’s batters for capitalizing on opportunities and pushing the total beyond the 200-run mark.
Another important aspect of Gujarat Titans’ successful campaign has been the impressive partnership between Rabada and Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. Rabada praised Siraj’s skill, determination, and ability to maintain pressure from one end while allowing his bowling partner to attack from the other.
The South African star described Siraj as a bowler with immense heart and outstanding ability. He noted that bowling alongside someone capable of consistently creating pressure significantly improves the team’s chances of taking wickets. Their partnership has become one of Gujarat Titans’ major strengths throughout the season.
| Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Clears Weigh-In for Asian Games Trials |
While Gujarat Titans celebrated their qualification for the IPL 2026 final, the performance of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again emerged as one of the defining stories of the tournament. His fearless 96-run innings not only earned admiration from teammates and opponents alike but also reinforced his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket. As the IPL season approaches its climax, Sooryavanshi’s remarkable rise continues to capture the imagination of cricket fans across the globe.
