How do you stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? Harbhajan Singh shares bowling plan after RR prodigy destroys Starc, Ngidi

Against DC, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again showed why he is the most feared batter this season, smacking 46 off 21 balls, packed with five fours, three sixes.

Updated on: May 18, 2026, 15:55:03 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been a huge mystery for bowlers in IPL 2026. Only 15 years old, the opener is RR's highest run-scorer this season and has taken on opposition bowlers with ease in the powerplay. The youngster has even dismantled veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood, smacking them for sixes and fours. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh had a suggestion for bowlers: keep their deliveries away from his hitting arc.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi destroyed Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi on Sunday. (REUTERS)

Against DC, Sooryavanshi once again showed why he is the most feared batter this season, smacking 46 off 21 balls, packed with five fours and three sixes. He was striking at 219.05, which perfectly reflects his aggressive approach.

Also Read: Hurt Virat Kohli sets the record straight; next year’s World Cup clearly his driving force after salty Test retirement

‘Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, my plan would be to get his wicket anyhow’: Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on JioHotstar, Harbhajan said, "Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, my plan would be to get his wicket anyhow. But what kind of form he is in matters a lot. My plan would be to spin the ball and keep it away from his hitting arc. If he steps out of the crease and tries to hit me, that's okay. But I don't want him to play his shots while standing in the crease. That would be my bowling plan. But the kind of batter he is, at the age of 15, he is hitting every bowler for a six. I have played with many players, but I have never seen a batter like Suryavanshi who dominates every bowler from ball one. I have dismissed Chris Gayle many times, but Suryavanshi is at a different level altogether. His bat flow is something I have never seen."

He is currently sixth in the Orange Cap race with 486 runs in 12 matches at an average of 40.50 and 234.78 strike rate.

Although RR lost to DC on Sunday, Sooryavanshi showed why he is considered the IPL's X-factor. In the second over, he pulled a short delivery from Lungi Ngidi over deep square leg for a six. Then in the next over, he hammered Mitchell Starc for a four and a six. Receiving a full delivery, he outside-edged Starc for a four. Later in the same over, he received a short ball. Sooryavanshi slammed it into the fine leg stands for a maximum. Then in the fourth over, he hit Ngidi for another four. He was eventually dismissed in the eighth over, losing his wicket to Madhav Tiwari.

RR have two more games remaining, but their defeat against DC has complicated their qualification pathway. They have 12 points from 12 games and need wins in their final two games, as well as other results to go in their favour.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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