As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) set to start on March 28, only the first 20 match schedules have been released due to state elections. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes teams will strategize against Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi this season. “It’s likely that this season, teams will focus on him by consistently bowling outside the off stump and keeping the ball out of his reach. He’ll need to find ways to counter that, even if it means risking getting out,” Irfan explained.
He also noted that Sooryavanshi might encounter challenges akin to those faced by Abhishek Sharma during the recent T20 World Cup. “He may experience similar hurdles to what Abhishek Sharma went through in the T20 World Cup, dealing with various bowling styles and pace variations. His ability to adapt and find scoring opportunities in those scenarios will be crucial,” Irfan added.
In a similar vein, former cricketer Aakash Chopra cautioned Sooryavanshi, emphasizing the importance of making a solid connection on the first ball. “The philosophy of ‘If the first one is there to be hit, I will go for it’ is solid. However, if you go for the first ball a few times and misconnect, that’s when the trouble begins,” he noted.
Chopra further remarked on the unique pressures of the IPL, comparing it to his playing experiences in England. “The IPL is a different animal. Even if it’s unspoken, it reminds me of my days in England—if you have a couple of off days, someone might say, ‘Bro, time to earn your money,’ because you’re expected to perform for your pay. That pressure is always present, and the IPL carries a similar weight,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.