Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shut down his doubters, including former India batter Robin Uthappa, with a dazzling display in IPL 2026. Representing Rajasthan Royals in Friday’s clash at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, Sooryavanshi tore into the Royal Challengers Bengaluru attack, smashing 78 runs off 26 balls, leading RR to a commanding six-wicket win.
Earlier this year, Uthappa voiced doubts over Sooryavanshi’s ability to replicate his stellar first season, attributing his early success to a combination of good fortune and unexpected breakthroughs. He predicted that bowlers would catch on to his style, making it tougher for the youngster to maintain his form. Uthappa also suggested that while Sooryavanshi would continue to score, he might fall short of his previous landmark of becoming the fastest Indian to hit a century.
I am only SO HAPPY to be wrong about this. Second season blues are a reality in professional sport. It’s a part and parcel of professional sport. I have absolutely no qualms in saying that he’s not having second season blues at the moment and he’s come to this season heaps better…
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 10, 2026
However, Uthappa quickly admitted his mistake. He praised Sooryavanshi for overcoming the so-called “second season blues,” acknowledging that the 15-year-old had worked hard on his game. Uthappa even described him as a generational talent, clarifying that he had never labelled Sooryavanshi’s earlier performances as a fluke.
“I am only SO HAPPY to be wrong about this. Second season blues are a reality in professional sport. It’s a part and parcel of professional sport. I have absolutely no qualms in saying that he’s not having second season blues at the moment and he’s come to this season heaps better prepared than the last one,” Uthappa wrote on X.
“He looks like he’s one perhaps 2 steps ahead of the bowlers he’s going up against! Truly a generational talent and I pray he will continue in this same way for the rest of career. And one clarification: I NEVER CALLED HIM OR HIS PERFORMANCE LAST SEASON A FLUKE!! Peace out,” Uthappa added.
Sooryavanshi’s performance against RCB was nothing short of spectacular, as he hit eight fours and seven sixes. He took charge early on, reaching a rapid 50 off just 15 balls during the powerplay, giving Rajasthan the perfect platform in their chase of 202.
Particularly impressive was Sooryavanshi’s assault on Josh Hazlewood. The youngster dominated the Aussie batter, smashing three boundaries and a six in one over, showcasing his control over length and pace.
With his explosive knock, Sooryavanshi led Rajasthan to a comfortable win, as they reached the target with 12 balls to spare. He now sits as the Royals’ leading run-scorer this season with 200 from four matches at an average of 50 and an astonishing strike rate of 266.66.
Thanks to this victory, Rajasthan Royals remained unbeaten with four wins and a net run rate of +2.055. The 2008 IPL champions will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 13 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
