Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said that the team management has told Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not to worry too much about things happening outside cricket. He praised the 15-year-old and said he is happy that the young opener is playing for his team and not against them.
Sooryavanshi played an amazing innings, scoring a half-century in just 15 balls, as Rajasthan Royals easily defeated Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. CSK were bowled out for 127 runs in 19.4 overs after batting first.
In reply, RR chased the target comfortably in just 12.1 overs, with Sooryavanshi smashing 52 runs off only 17 balls. After the match, Parag spoke about how the team is helping the young player stay relaxed and focused.
“We have asked Vaibhav not to focus on external factors and not take much pressure. He loves batting, so we make sure he is getting enough batting in the nets. If he likes to eat something, we make sure that is available for him. As far as what he does inside in concerned, like everyone in the stands, we are also in awe over how he is striking the ball. Very glad that he is in our team and not in the opposition.”
When asked about his captaincy, Riyan Parag made a light comment at his critics and said he hopes people talk about his captaincy the same way even when the team loses.
“There are a lot of things and opinions that go on outside about me, which is something I have learnt not to get to me. I am doing it pretty well I think.”
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit four boundaries and five sixes in his quick and explosive innings before getting out to Anshul Kamboj. Earlier, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Ravindra Jadeja each took two wickets.
“We Must Stay Positive”: Michael Hussey After CSK’s Defeat to RR
Michael Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, said that the team management will continue to support the players even after the disappointing loss to Rajasthan Royals. He added that the team will try to stay positive as they move forward.
“100 percent, we will still be backing this team. I would expect much better batting performances in the future, particularly if the pitches are flatter. I don’t want out batsmen moving forward to have clouded thoughts. We need to move forward with a positive attitude.”
Michael Hussey said that losing the toss gave Rajasthan Royals an advantage in the match. However, he admitted that Chennai Super Kings were completely outplayed.
“I don’t think it would have mattered in the whole context. They outplayed us, but I think it was a good toss to win. That pitch had been under covers for a long time. There was certainly some movement early and out batsmen probably struggled to adjust.”
Chennai Super Kings will play their second match of IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3.
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