Arshdeep Singh handed blueprint to dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: ‘Try to keep hitting that channel’

Pujara has broken down the key tactical battle that could shape the contest between Arshdeep Singh and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the upcoming PBKS vs RR clash.

Updated on: Apr 28, 2026, 13:49:56 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested a simple plan for Arshdeep Singh to counter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi when Punjab Kings face Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday night. With Rajasthan going through a dip in form after back-to-back defeats, a lot once again rests on Sooryavanshi to provide a fast start and set the tone at the top. The 15-year-old has already shown how destructive he can be, smashing a 36-ball century in the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, even though Rajasthan ended up on the losing side. Throughout the season, he has taken on some of the biggest names in world cricket without hesitation, including Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, attacking from the very first over.

Arshdeep Singh given exact gameplan to tackle Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (ANI and PTI Images)

Now, he comes up against Arshdeep Singh, who has begun to find his rhythm again in the last couple of matches after a slightly quiet phase. The left-arm pacer will be a key weapon for Punjab Kings as they look to break Rajasthan’s top order early and keep Sooryavanshi quiet before he settles in.

Pujara has broken down the key tactical battle that could shape the contest between Arshdeep and Sooryavanshi in the upcoming PBKS vs RR clash. With the youngster already making headlines for his fearless strokeplay, the matchup against a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep adds an intriguing layer to the contest.

“Arshdeep, I think he, being a left-arm seamer, will come over the stumps for Vaibhav. He will have to ensure that he bowls that middle and off stump plan, where the ball is going away from him. We have seen that when Moshin was bowling against Vaibhav, he got that success against him. Arshdeep will have to do similar thing," Pujara said on Star Sports.

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“Try to utilise slower deliveries”

Building on his tactical read of the matchup, Pujara went a step further to outline the exact lengths and variations Arshdeep should look to employ if he wants to keep Sooryavanshi in check early in the innings.

“Try and bowl back of length on middle and off stump line. Try to keep hitting that channel more often, and also try to utilise his slower deliveries because Arshdeep has very good slower deliveries. Try to use yorkers in between if needed. But early on, I think first four or five deliveries, just try and hit that back of length on middle and off stump,” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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