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Steyn: Vaibhav's Fear Factor Even Rattles Bumrah in IPL Clash

Dale Steyn believes Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already begun to create a psychological edge over bowlers, including premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Steyn pointed to a first-ball six off Bumrah as evidence that bowlers are second-guessing themselves against the youngster's fearless approach. He explained that this fear of being hit causes even the best bowlers to miss their marks. RR secured their third consecutive victory, powered by an explosive opening stand between Vaibhav and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Key Points: Dale Steyn on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Psychological Edge Over Bowlers

  • Vaibhav's aggressive reputation affects bowlers' mindset
  • Bumrah made a rare error due to pressure
  • Fearless intent makes Vaibhav dangerous
  • RR wins third straight IPL 2026 match
2 min read

'He's instilled fear into bowlers': Steyn on Vaibhav's heroics against Bumrah

Dale Steyn analyzes how RR's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is instilling fear in bowlers, causing even Jasprit Bumrah to err, after RR's win over MI.

"He's created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he's going to hit you for boundaries. - Dale Steyn"

New Delhi, April 8

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn believes that the Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already begun to create a psychological edge over bowlers, even forcing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah into rare errors.

Steyn pointed to the moment when Sooryavanshi launched Bumrah over mid-on off the very first ball in the Rajasthan Royals clash against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, suggesting that the youngster's aggressive reputation is already influencing how bowlers approach him.

"I think that's what he's done. I mean, honestly, he's created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he's going to hit you for boundaries," Steyn told ESPNCricinfo.

Highlighting the influence of Sooryavanshi, Steyn added that even the premier Indian pacer, Bumrah, appeared to be second-guessing himself and missed his mark, which is very rare for a bowler of his calibre.

"That delivery from Bumrah, that's in the slot. That's so rare of Bumrah. So even the great Bumrah is thinking in the back of his mind: 'don't get it wrong, because if I get it wrong, this guy's going to hit me for six'," he said.

"I feel, if you think like that, more often than not, you do get it wrong. You can see even when he's hit him for six, he almost started to laugh afterwards and then go, 'I knew that was going to happen if I got it wrong'. And that's exactly what happened," he explained.

Steyn believes that Sooryavanshi is not scared of anyone, and his fearless intent makes him dangerous regardless of the bowler's stature.

"And this kid's not scared, man. If you miss a half-volley, he's going to hit you out of the ground. So drag your length back and hit a good length, and you might be on the money with him. Miss and you're travelling the distance. It doesn't matter who you are, Bumrah or Joe Average. So that's fantastic batting," he added.

Speaking of the match, RR rode on an explosive 80-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi to beat MI by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday and registered their third straight victory of the IPL 2026 campaign.

Vaibhav scored 39 runs off just 14 balls, which included two sixes against Bumrah and three vs other bowlers. While Jaiswal remained unbeaten at 77 off just 32 balls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Steyn's analysis is spot on. The mental game is so important. To see a young player create that kind of doubt in a bowler of Bumrah's class is extraordinary. Hope he keeps his head on his shoulders.
R
Rohit P
Let's not get carried away with one innings, yaar. It was a rain-curtailed match, conditions were different. Bumrah is still the king. Vaibhav needs to prove this consistency over a full season.
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Priya S
The confidence is infectious! Jaiswal and Vaibhav as an opening pair could be a nightmare for bowlers. RR's scouting team deserves a pat on the back. More power to the youngsters! ✨
M
Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is what makes the IPL great. Unheralded players announcing themselves on the biggest stage against the best. Steyn calling it out adds so much weight to the performance.
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Kavya N
Honestly, seeing an Indian youngster not be intimidated is the best part. We've had talented players who freeze against big names. Vaibhav's attitude is a game-changer. Hope he gets a fair run in the playing XI.

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