The 15-year-old blasted 97 off just 29 balls as RR posted a massive total before sealing a 47-run victory at New Chandigarh to advance to Friday\u2019s Qualifier 2, where they\u2019ll face Gujarat Titans in what will be a repeat of the IPL 2022 final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cVaibhav Sooryavanshi has shown throughout the season that pressure simply doesn\u2019t seem to affect him, and this innings was another example of that. In just 29 balls, he completely changed the direction of the game and put Sunrisers Hyderabad under immense pressure right from the start,\u201d Kumble told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sooryavanshi\u2019s innings dismantled Hyderabad\u2019s bowling plans almost immediately. Despite captain Pat Cummins and his attack attempting different lengths and field adjustments, Rajasthan stormed through the Power-play and never allowed SRH to regain control. Kumble pointed out how quickly the young batter forced Hyderabad to abandon their original plans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPat Cummins and the bowlers came in with plans, but within the first couple of overs those plans were already disrupted because they simply didn\u2019t know where to bowl to him. To play an innings of this magnitude in a knockout game at the age of 15 is extraordinary,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India spinner also credited Sooryavanshi\u2019s consistency across the season as a major reason behind RR\u2019s run to Qualifier 2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOne of the biggest reasons Rajasthan Royals are now in Qualifier 2 is because of the impact he has had throughout the tournament, and holding the Orange Cap at this stage only highlights how remarkable his season has been,\u201d the former spinner stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sooryavanshi\u2019s knock once again underlined his extraordinary campaign, with the teenager already being regarded as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026. His innings against Hyderabad included a 16-ball fifty that equalled Suresh Raina\u2019s record for the fastest half-century in an IPL playoff match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to Qualifier 2 against GT, Kumble believes Rajasthan\u2019s current momentum and confidence make them a dangerous side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cGujarat Titans had actually controlled large phases of Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before things slipped away in the latter half of the game. A few dropped catches, extras, and the sudden collapse after Sai Sudharsan\u2019s dismissal put them under immense pressure,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble added that Gujarat\u2019s approach against Sooryavanshi could ultimately decide the contest as he said, \u201cBut heading into Qualifier 2, a lot could depend on how they handle Vaibhav Sooryavanshi because Rajasthan Royals\u2019 confidence is extremely high at the moment. They are coming into this game after three consecutive wins against quality sides like Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, and now Sunrisers Hyderabad.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cGujarat Titans had actually controlled large phases of Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before things slipped away in the latter half of the game. A few dropped catches, extras, and the sudden collapse after Sai Sudharsan\u2019s dismissal put them under immense pressure,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWith a 15-year-old currently holding the Orange Cap, Rajasthan Royals will firmly believe they belong here, while Gujarat Titans will need to produce their very best performance to stop their momentum,\u201d the 55-year-old said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n