“Can become a great player” - Ex-RCB batter makes bold prediction on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026
Published - 23 Mar 2026, 11:05 AM | Updated - 23 Mar 2026, 11:07 AM
Former international cricketers Abhinav Mukund and Faf du Plessis shared their predictions on Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Abhinav Mukund expressed confidence that the left-handed batter will play the entire season and score over 200 runs.
The young batter enjoyed a phenomenal IPL debut last year. He was instrumental in India’s victory during the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The southpaw was named Player of the Match in the summit clash against England, where India secured a 100-run victory at the Harare Sports Club last month.
He Will Get 400 Runs - Abhinav Mukund's Prediction on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Abhinav Mukund opened up about expectations for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Mukund predicted that the aggressive batter would easily surpass the 400-run milestone in half the number of balls.
“He will get 400 runs if he plays. I am sure he will play the entire season. I think he will score 400 runs, and if he does, it will come in half the amount of balls," Abhinav Mukund said.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will score ___ runs in IPL 2026 pic.twitter.com/H8m2kK9l8J
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 22, 2026
Great Players Continue to Perform in their Second Season - Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was asked about concerns regarding opposing bowling attacks being better prepared against Sooryavanshi. Du Plessis stated that great players find ways to adapt and perform consistently during their second season.
“It is about the difference between good players and great players. Great players continue to perform in their second season, while good players tend to dip. He belongs in the category of someone who can become a great player. So I expect him to score runs again. But yes, teams will be better prepared for his strengths,” Faf du Plessis said.
The Rajasthan Royals need Sooryavanshi to replicate his explosive form. They had a disappointing last season, finishing in ninth place on the table.
The franchise won the inaugural Indian Premier League title in 2008 but have failed to secure the trophy since. They will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripted history by becoming the youngest player in the auction before turning into the youngest debutant in tournament history. Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹1.1 crore during the IPL 2025 auction.
Sooryavanshi capitalized on an opportunity last year after Rajasthan Royals fast-tracked him into the playing XI amid injury concerns for Sanju Samson. He scored 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.00 and an incredible strike rate of 206.55.
The opening batter smashed a record 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Notably, it was the fastest hundred by an Indian in the tournament. He also became the youngest batter to score a hundred in the IPL.
During the recently concluded Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi amassed 439 runs in seven matches at an average of 62.71 with a strike rate of 169.43, including a blistering 80-ball 175 against England Under-19s.
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