Rajasthan Royals' Rathour Praises Young Talent Despite Setback Against Sunrisers
Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Vikram Rathour lauded 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and downplayed his injury worries after their IPL 2026 loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rathour emphasized missed catches proved costly. Despite setbacks, he remains positive about Riyan Parag's improvement, as RR posted a formidable total against a strong opposition.
In the aftermath of Rajasthan Royals' setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad, assistant coach Vikram Rathour heaped praise on 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing him as a 'very special player.' Rathour addressed fears of a hamstring issue but reassured that Sooryavanshi appears to be in a stable condition following treatment.
Rathour noted that while initial evaluations suggested a potential hamstring injury, the condition does not seem serious. A definitive assessment is anticipated in the coming days. 'We have expressed our admiration for Vaibhav's talent,' Rathour commented, affirming the team's confidence in the young cricketer's recovery.
Reflecting on the loss, Rathour cited dropped catches as critical missteps, which proved costly against a formidable Sunrisers lineup. Emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, he remarked, 'Against quality teams, mistakes like missed chances can drastically shift the game's momentum.'
When addressing Riyan Parag's recent batting challenges, Rathour expressed confidence in the all-rounder's capabilities. He attributed Parag's struggles to a typical variance in cricket, underscoring the player's commitment in practice and anticipation for a strong comeback.
Despite their defeat, RR managed to post a commendable total of 228/6, thanks to Sooryavanshi's explosive century and strong performances from other key players like Jurel and Ferreira. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad executed a successful chase, led by Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, ultimately securing victory in 18.3 overs.
(With inputs from agencies.)

