'If Vaibhav bats through powerplay, RR will have the advantage: Kumble
New Delhi, May 29
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could once again hold the key for his side when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Friday, noting that if the youngster survives the powerplay, it will give a massive advantage to RR.
Despite RR's strong performances in the tournament, Kumble feels the side still enters the contest as underdogs but backed them to edge past Gujarat if Vaibhav delivers another impactful start.
"It's a hard one to predict. It's really hard because Rajasthan have done well, yet they still seem to be the underdogs. I think I'll go with the underdogs. I'm still expecting Vaibhav to do what he did against SRH because if Vaibhav does that, Rajasthan will have the advantage," Kumble told JioHotstar.
The young RR opener has been one of the standout performers of the season and currently holds the Orange Cap. The 15-year-old played a brilliant knock of 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which proved crucial to their big win in the eliminator.
"Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the Orange Cap holder, and that doesn't come from doing it just once or against a couple of teams. He's done it consistently over the last two months, and that says a lot about the youngster. It's not just about going out there and bashing a few sixes, even though he is the highest six-hitter now. If he bats through the Powerplay, RR will have the advantage," Kumble added.
Kumble, however, pointed out that the Gujarat Titans possess a potent new-ball attack capable of putting Rajasthan under pressure early in the innings.
"GT have a very set plan. They have Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada bowling three overs each, and that's where the game could change," he said.
The former India leg-spinner also noted that the conditions in Ahmedabad have suited Gujarat's seamers this season, though he expects them to regroup after their previous outing.
"They have done really well in Ahmedabad, where the conditions help the seam bowlers. It didn't happen for them in Dharamshala, but they'll be hoping that with the new ball, if they hold those lengths consistently, they can nick him off and get an early breakthrough," Kumble added.
The winner of Friday's Qualifier 2 will progress to the IPL 2026 final, where they will face the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I hope Vaibhav doesn't get too much pressure put on him by these comments. He's just a kid! Let him play his natural game. The Orange Cap talk is great but expecting him to carry RR every time is unfair. RR need their middle order to step up too.
Love how Kumble is backing the underdogs! Vaibhav's consistency has been incredible. But I worry about RR's bowling - if they don't get early wickets, GT's middle order can take the game away. Rooting for RR though - desi talent needs to shine! 🇮🇳
As a neutral fan, this Qualifier 2 is fascinating. Vaibhav vs Siraj/Rabada in powerplay is the battle to watch. RR's strategy should be to see off the first 4 overs, then attack. GT will want to get him early. Whoever wins this contest likely wins the match.
Kumble knows what he's talking about - he's been there, done that. Vaibhav has the temperament, but GT's bowling in Ahmedabad is a different beast. I just hope the pitch doesn't become a rank turner like we've seen in some IPL games. Want a proper contest between bat and ball! 🤞
Slightly disagree with Kumble here. RR's batting is too dependent on Vaibhav and Jaiswal. If both fail, they crumble. GT has more balanced side. But then again, that's why they call it 'g
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