Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made former India batter Robin Uthappa eat his own words after his spectacular knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 match on Friday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Sooryavanshi scored 78 off 26 balls as RR beat RCB by six wickets.
Earlier this year, Uthappa had suggested Sooryavanshi might struggle with second season blues, noting his success involved some luck and surprise. He felt bowlers would adapt, making it tougher, and predicted the youngster would learn, score runs, but not match last season where he hit the fastest century by an Indian.
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‘A GENERATIONAL TALENT’
Uthappa admitted he was happy to be proven wrong about Sooryavanshi, acknowledging there are no second season blues for him. He praised the 15-year-old’s improved preparation, saying that he looks ahead of bowlers, called him a generational talent, and clarified he never labelled his previous performances a fluke.
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“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.
HOW SOORYAVANSHI TOOK DOWN RCB
Sooryavanshi was breathtaking against RCB, smashing eight fours and seven sixes. The 15-year-old tore into the attack in the powerplay, racing to a 15-ball fifty and laying the platform for the Royals in their chase of 202.
He was particularly brutal against Josh Hazlewood, taking him apart with fearless strokeplay. Sooryavanshi hammered three boundaries and a six off Hazlewood in a single burst, showing complete control over length and pace.
Rajasthan made light work of the target, romping home with 12 balls to spare, thanks largely to Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock. He is currently the Royals’ leading run-scorer this season, with 200 runs from four matches at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 266.66.
With the win, the Royals stayed unbeaten with four victories and a net run rate of +2.055. The 2008 champions next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 13 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
