Rabada dismisses age concerns as Sooryavanshi leads IPL 2026 run charts
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finishes the tournament with 776 runs, while Kagiso Rabada reflects on Qualifier 2 victory over Rajasthan Royals.
Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada has publicly dismissed the significance of age in evaluating Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, following his side’s Qualifier 2 victory in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Sooryavanshi, aged 15, scored 96 runs off 47 balls in the match, narrowly missing a second successive century after scoring 97 in the Eliminator. Despite being dismissed by Rabada, the teenager finished the IPL 2026 season with 776 runs, leading the tournament’s run-scoring charts. Rabada highlighted Sooryavanshi’s maturity, quick reflexes, and fearless mindset, asserting that age is irrelevant to his performance. Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets to secure their place in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The match, held on Friday, 30 May 2026, saw Rajasthan post 214/6, with Ravindra Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 45, before being bowled out. Sooryavanshi shared a valuable partnership with Jadeja, countering early pressure from Gujarat’s pace attack. Rabada, who finished with figures of 2/35 from his four overs, admitted the Titans’ bowling plan was not fully executed, citing too many short balls and difficulty for spinner Rashid Khan on a batting-friendly surface. The fast bowler noted that Gujarat likely should have restricted Rajasthan to a lower total, estimating 180 to 190 runs as the par score barring the dropped catch of Sooryavanshi.
Gujarat captain Shubman Gill scored a century in the chase, sharing a 167-run opening stand with Sai Sudharsan. This dominant partnership allowed the Titans to reach the target with eight balls to spare, securing their spot in the final. Rabada acknowledged the challenge faced by Rashid Khan on the surface and felt the team could have been more disciplined in the powerplay. Despite the defensive lapses, the Titans maintained control until the 19th over, demonstrating resilience in a high-pressure playoff encounter.
Speaking after the match, Rabada praised Sooryavanshi’s natural instinct and attacking approach. He noted that the teenager’s fast hands and ability to pick length quickly have been key to his success. Rabada emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s fearless mindset, driven by youthful energy, has allowed him to perform at an elite level. The South African bowler stated that at this stage, age should be thrown out of the window, as the 15-year-old’s performances have moved beyond typical developmental discussions.
Rabada also highlighted the effectiveness of his bowling partnership with Mohammed Siraj, noting Siraj’s intensity and skill in building pressure. He described the synergy between the two pacers as crucial for Gujarat’s success throughout the season. As the IPL 2026 final approaches on Sunday, 31 May 2026, Shubman Gill still has an opportunity to surpass Sooryavanshi’s 776-run tally. The tournament’s leading run-scorer will now watch from the sidelines as Gujarat prepares to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the championship decider.
