IPL 2026: ‘It’s just circumstances’ – RR coach defends Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s use as Impact player

Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken IPL 2026 by storm with his fearless strokeplay and jaw-dropping power-hitting. The 15-year-old opener piled up 583 runs from 14 matches at an impressive average of 41.64  and an astonishing strike rate of 232.27, including three fifties and a century.

Despite his remarkable performances with the bat, Sooryavanshi has drawn attention for being used primarily as an Impact Player this season, featuring only as a batter and not taking the field. The move has sparked debate among former Indian cricketers, with Sanjay Manjrekar and Mohammed Kaif questioning Rajasthan Royals’ handling of the youngster.

Ahead of Rajasthan Royals’ crucial clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, RR assistant coach Trevor Penny addressed the criticism and clarified that Sooryavanshi’s absence from the field had nothing to do with his fielding abilities.

“So, he is a very good fielder. He’s got great hands. He moves well. He dives. He anticipates. He’s got all that. It’s just the way it’s worked out. And sometimes with him opening the batting him going in in the second innings being fresh, it’s worked for us,” Penny said during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

“So, there’s no specific reason why, ‘oh, he’s a bad fielder, we’re not playing him in the field.’ So, it’s nothing to do with that. It’s just circumstances. And sometimes there was a slightly, maybe better fielder or more experienced fielder. But generally, it’s been to keep him fresh for his batting,” Penny continued.

Penny also praised the youngster’s fitness and running between the wickets, highlighting his determination during Rajasthan’s previous game.

“But he doesn’t really have to run between the wickets too much, does he? It’s just about a break. I think he can if he has to. You saw in the last game, he had 10 of 11 balls. And he was so determined to win that game. That’s why he didn’t go in and just try and hit from Ball One,” he continued.

Rajasthan Royals have had a decent IPL 2026, winning seven out of their 13 matches. If they win against MI, they will qualify for the playoffs.

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