Irfan Pathan reminds GT of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nightmare before Jaipur showdown: ‘There will be memories of that knock’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has arguably been the league's marquee player, registering 404 runs in 10 matches at an average of 40.40.

Updated on: May 2, 2026, 16:17:38 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Gujarat Titans will be reminded of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's century from last season when they visit Jaipur once again to face Rajasthan Royals on May 9. Both sides have already faced each other earlier in IPL 2026, with RR winning by six runs. In that match, Ravi Bishnoi's spell proved to be magical as he finished with figures of 4/41 (4).

Last season in Jaipur, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a century against GT (PTI)

But for GT, their main focus will be on young Sooryavanshi. Only 15 years old, the RR invokes fear in any bowler in the world, and he has taken on senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood with ease. When RR faced GT in Ahmedabad this season, he hammered a quickfire knock of 31 runs off 18 balls, packed with five fours and a six, striking at 172.22.

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Meanwhile, last season in Jaipur, he scored a century against GT, which was also the second-fastest ton in IPL history. The teenager attacked opposition bowlers like a veteran, racing to a 38-ball 101, also hammering seven fours and 11 sixes. He was striking at 265.79, which shows his approach in the game, and this time, it will again invoke a sense of fear within the GT bowling setup.

‘There will be memories of that knock’: Irfan Pathan

Speaking on JioStar, former India player Irfan Pathan pointed out Sooryavanshi's role in the upcoming game. “There will be memories of that knock against GT last season, both for our ‘Fearless Prodigy’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi and the GT bowlers, because it was so unexpected, a teenager taking on the best when his team was struggling to win games,” he said.

RR are currently fourth in the table with six wins and four defeats. But they have also played a game more than fifth-placed GT, who have 10 points. Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi has arguably been the league's marquee player, registering 404 runs in 10 matches at an average of 40.40, and he has also been striking at 237.64. He has managed a century and two half-centuries this season.

“This time, though, the tables have turned. RR have managed to hold on to a spot in the top four, while GT are slowly gathering momentum. 400 runs at a strike-rate of 230 is outrageous for the youngster in the season so far and it will be interesting to see if RR’s young core fires again on what look like flat wickets in Jaipur,” he further added.

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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