Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo)
Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted that Mitchell Starc’s decisive over completely shifted the momentum in Delhi Capitals’ favour, as RR suffered yet another setback in a tightening IPL 2026 playoff race. The Royals were in a commanding position at 162/2 and looked set for a total in the 220–230 range before collapsing to 193/8, eventually falling short as Delhi Capitals chased down the target comfortably to keep their playoff hopes alive. The biggest turning point came when Starc ripped through the middle and death overs, removing Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira and Ravi Singh in a single devastating phase that completely stalled RR’s momentum. However, much of RR’s innings once again revolved around their teenage sensation Vaibhav sooryavanshi, who continued to impress with another fearless knock at the top. The youngster struck 46 off 21 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, and once again gave Rajasthan a blazing start alongside Dhruv Jurel. Speaking after the match, Vikram Rathour admitted the team fell well short of expectations. “We were 20 runs short. We were 160/2 and should have got to 220-230. Losing three wickets in one over does not help. We could have been smarter with our choices in that over. We can make mistakes every game, and the idea is to learn from them and I hope, they will take different options in the next game. That over (of Starc) changed the game for us.” He also confirmed a fitness concern in the squad, adding, “It would be good if he were given a break for one more match,” while referring to Ravindra Jadeja’s knee niggle. On tactical decisions during the chase, Rathour backed captain Riyan Parag’s call to hand the 18th over to Donovan Ferreira, even though it proved expensive as Delhi capitalised. “It is the captain who makes decisions. He is backing his gut feel. Our option was to bring six bowlers. But when we lost wickets quickly, we picked Dasun Shanaka as an impact sub. Otherwise, we could have picked up a bowler as an Impact Player. There are some plans discussed with the analyst and coach, but out there on the pitch, it is the captain who takes the ball,” he explained. He also clarified that Parag did not bowl due to a hamstring issue, further limiting RR’s options in a crucial phase. Despite the loss, Rathour remained confident about Vaibhav sooryavanshi’s rapid rise, dismissing concerns over his ability against slower deliveries. “Nobody is perfect in this world,” he said, adding, “Everyone will have some weakness. I do not think Vaibhav has a weakness against slower balls. On such a wicket where the ball is gripping, a change of pace is good against any batter, not just Vaibhav.” He further praised the youngster’s impact at the top, calling him a special talent. “Enough has been said about his ability, and he provided us with a great start. I hope he converts one of these innings and goes deep. It is not too far with the way he is batting.” So far in IPL 2026, Vaibhav sooryavanshi has scored 486 runs in 12 innings at an average of 40.50 and a striking rate of 234.78, including a century and two fifties, making him RR’s leading run-scorer this season. In the match itself, his early fireworks helped RR build momentum as he and Jurel added a 70-run stand, while Parag’s 51 off 26 balls added further strength. But from 162/2, the innings unraveled dramatically as Starc (4/39), Lungi Ngidi (2/24) and Madhav Tiwari (2/27) triggered a collapse. In response, Delhi Capitals were led by half-centuries from Abhisek Porel (51) and KL Rahul (56), before Axar Patel (34*) and Ashutosh Sharma (18*) finished the chase with ease, sealing a five-wicket win with four balls remaining.
