“He doesn’t”: Riyan Parag drops blunt verdict on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following – Riyan Parag Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After RR Exit in IPL 2026

A Heartbreaking Exit in New Chandigarh

The 2026 TATA Indian Premier League season came to a bittersweet end for the Rajasthan Royals during the high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash against the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. Despite a commendable fight, the Royals were handed a seven-wicket defeat, effectively knocking them out of the tournament just one step away from the grand finale. The match was marked by drama from the very first ball, with a bizarre toss re-run setting a tense tone for the evening.

The First Innings: Fighting for a Total

After winning the toss, Riyan Parag elected to bat first, hoping to set a daunting target. However, the innings faced an immediate hurdle as Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for just one run, followed shortly by Dhruv Jurel at 7 runs, leaving the team struggling at 9/2. The tactical shift saw Ravindra Jadeja promoted up the order, where he played a composed innings before being retired hurt on 34.

The highlight of the Royals’ innings was undoubtedly the masterclass from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster was in sublime touch, carving out a magnificent 96 runs and falling just short of a maiden century. With additional firepower from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed 38 off just 11 balls, the Royals managed to post a formidable total of 214/5. Parag admitted post-match that while 214 was a solid effort, he felt that on this specific track, 230 would have been the true par score to defend successfully.

Gujarat Titans’ Dominant Chase

The Gujarat Titans’ response was clinical. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan dismantled the Rajasthan bowling attack, putting together a massive 167-run partnership. In an unfortunate twist of fate, Sudharsan was dismissed hit-wicket for 58—a bizarre way to get out twice in just three days. Shubman Gill, however, was in imperious form, racing to a stunning century in just 47 balls. His 104-run knock, coupled with Rahul Tewatia’s composed finishing, ensured the Titans chased down the target with ease.

Riyan Parag’s Verdict on the Future

Reflecting on the season, Riyan Parag offered a balanced perspective. Despite the sting of elimination, he pointed to the growth of his young squad as the primary takeaway. “There were many positives. We weren’t supposed to qualify, given that many players were young and inexperienced, but many youngsters performed well and can only improve from here,” Parag noted during the post-match presentation.

The most significant praise, however, was reserved for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. When asked about the youngster’s technical ability, Parag was quick to dismiss the idea that Sooryavanshi is just another power hitter. “I can’t put it into words,” Parag said regarding the youngster’s approach. “He doesn’t slog. You could see his innings today—he calculates and plays his shots. I can’t say how, but hopefully, he will go on to do well in his career, do well for the Rajasthan Royals, and win us a second title.”

Looking Ahead

For the Rajasthan Royals, the 2026 season will be remembered as a transition period defined by the emergence of new talent. While the loss in Qualifier 2 is undoubtedly painful for the fans and players alike, the maturity displayed by individuals like Sooryavanshi suggests a bright future. The ability to calculate the game at such a young age is a rare trait, and if Parag’s assessment is anything to go by, the Royals have unearthed a gem that will be central to their ambitions in the coming years. As the dust settles on the season, the team looks to regroup, learn from the tactical hurdles of this campaign, and return stronger in the next iteration of the tournament.