Bumrah or Hazlewood, doesn't matter: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says 'play the ball, not bowler'

The other day it was Jasprit Bumrah. On Friday, Josh Hazlewood faced the same treatment from the wonder kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as the 15-year-old said that he "plays the ball" and "not the bowler".

Sooryavanshi scored 78 off 26 balls as Rajasthan Royals (RR) chased down Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) total of 201 with two overs remaining.

He also moved to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap list with 200 runs in four matches.

Speaking at the post-match presentation after RR’s win, Sooryavanshi said he focuses on his natural game and what he practises, instead of trying anything extra, and reacts to the ball rather than the bowler.

"I try to execute what I practice and back my natural game. Yes, at the back of your mind, you know who the bowler (Bumrah or Hazlewood) is but you play the ball not the bowler," said Sooryavanshi, who hit the Australian pacer for three boundaries and a six in four consecutive deliveries.

After gaining attention early in his career, Sooryavanshi said he remains focused, with guidance from his father Sanjiv and RR support staff member Romi Bhinder.

"They always tell me that it is a long journey and my focus should only and only be on the game," he said.

He also said he was not satisfied after getting out on 78, as he felt he could have added more runs for the team.

"My thinking is that had I been around, I could have scored 20 more runs which would be beneficial for the team," Sooryavanshi said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rajasthan Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets, extending their unbeaten run to four matches and handing RCB their first loss of the season.

Chasing 202, RR were led by Sooryavanshi’s 78 and an unbeaten 81 from Dhruv Jurel. The two added 108 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 24 as RR reached the target in 18 overs.

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Earlier, RCB made 201 for 8, with captain Rajat Patidar scoring 63 and Venkatesh Iyer contributing late. Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi took early wickets, but RCB still crossed 200, which was not enough against RR’s batting.