Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unhappy with Rajasthan Royals! Official statement issued as India call-up looms

Rajasthan Royals batter (RR) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was unhappy with the team’s tactical decision during the IPL 2026 season. Assistant coach Trevor Penny revealed that the 15-year-old cricketer was not satisfied with being used regularly as an impact player and wanted a bigger role in the ongoing tournament.

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday, April 13. The Royals' unbeaten run was ended in the tournament. Debutant pacer Praful Hinge played a key role, taking four wickets and dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a golden duck early.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Expresses Displeasure Over Impact Player Role

Rajasthan Royals used Vaibhav Sooryavanshi only as an impact player in their last two matches. The 15-year-old batter stayed in the dugout during the fielding innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, coming in only during the run chase.

Speaking with the broadcaster, Trevor Penny was asked about Sooryavanshi playing as an impact substitute. He said the young batter was not happy missing out on fielding duties and enjoys being involved throughout the game.

“The last game he missed out on, he wasn't very happy because he loves his fielding. It's not because he's a poor fielder,” Penny told the broadcaster during the IPL 2026 match between the Sunrisers and Royals.

Donovan Ferreira Has Passed His Fitness Test - Trevor Penny

Trevor Penny clarified that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was not left out due to poor fielding. He explained that the return of South African player Donovan Ferreira led to this tactical decision. Ferreira recently cleared his fitness tests after recovering from a collarbone injury.

Ferreira suffered the injury during the SA20 tournament. Penny described him as a top fielder whose return improves the team’s fielding strength, which unfortunately pushed Sooryavanshi out of the main fielding lineup.

“Donovan has passed his fitness test. He broke his collarbone in the SA20. He's a gun fielder. It's good to have him back on the field. Sadly, Vaibhav misses out,” Penny said.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Continues To Shine With The Bat

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has impressed with the bat this season. The 15-year-old has scored two quick half-centuries, reaching the milestone in just 15 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He has also taken on top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood.

He scored 78 runs off 26 balls against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, his form took a hit against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where debutant pacer Praful Hinge dismissed him for a golden duck during the chase.

The young batter earlier made headlines by scoring the fastest century by an Indian in tournament history last season. He has 200 runs in five innings at a strike rate of over 260 and is currently at the top of the Orange Cap list.

The Riyan Parag-led team will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, April 19.

Also read: MS Dhoni injury update: CSK Star unlikely to play against KKR in IPL 2026