Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opens up on facing Jasprit Bumrah after smashing India’s premier pacer for two sixes in five balls

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took an attacking approach in his battle with Jasprit Bumrah, slamming the India pacer for two sixes in five balls.

Published on: Apr 9, 2026, 08:43:18 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi admitted that he was nervous against Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday. Sooryavanshi's face-off against Bumrah proved to be blockbuster entertainment for fans. The battle took place during Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2026 clash vs Mumbai Indians in Guwahati. Rain delayed the first innings, and the match was delayed to 11 overs per side.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an entertaining battle with Jasprit Bumrah. (ANI Pic Service)

Opening with Yashasvi Jaiwal in the first innings for RR, Sooryavanshi faced Bumrah in the second over, and he took an attacking approach right from the get-go. In the first delivery, Bumrah missed his mark and offered it in the slot; Vaibhav smacked it over wide long-on for a six. Then he took a single, followed by Jaiswal doing the same in the third delivery. Then, in the fourth ball, Bumrah sent a short, slow delivery down leg side; the teenager pulled it high and deep into the stands beyond backward square leg for a six. The over ended with back-to-back dots.

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Sooryavanshi was dismissed in the fifth over, losing his wicket to Shardul Thakur for 39 off 13 balls, packed with four and five sixes.

Speaking to RR's social media handle after the match, Sooryavanshi opened up on facing the veteran pacer.

"It didn't feel like much, sir. I was just trying to focus on the ball, rather than the bowler. I was a bit nervous, because such a big bowler was in front of me. But I tried to back my own game and play the ball instead of the game," he said.

Revealing why he went early for his drills a day before the match, he said, "Those drills help a lot because we do them from a short distance and he throws them very fast. It gives you extra time when you finally face the bowler. After the last game, I felt there were one or two points, I needed to work on to help my batting. That's why I went early yesterday and it definitely helped in the game today."

"In the last two innings, I have been getting out after playing good shots. Even in the first match, it was a good shot but it went straight to the fielder. I feel like if I had played the whole innings today, the score would have been much bigger," he added.

Other than Sooryavanshi's knock, Jaiswal smacked an unbeaten knock of 77* runs off 32 balls as RR got to 150/3 in 11 overs. In response, MI were restricted to 123/9 in 11 overs as Rajasthan went on to win by 27 runs.

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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