IPL 2026: How Ashish Nehra’s tactical masterstroke helped Mohammed Siraj get rid of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – WATCH
NEW DELHI: The way bowlers started celebrating Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wicket speaks volumes about the fear the 15-year-old has already created among opposing teams in IPL 2026. The youngster has developed a reputation for destroying bowling attacks and destroying bowlers’ economy rates with his fearless batting. In the clash between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals, the way Mohammed Siraj celebrated Sooryavanshi’s wicket reflected exactly how dangerous the teenager had become.
Siraj’s exit started in the worst possible way. In his very first over of the match, he was smashed for a huge six over long off by Sooryavanshi. Moments later the youngster also kicked the ball into his own shoe and looked like he was in pain. After receiving treatment from the physio, Sooryavanshi quickly returned to business and started attacking the bowlers again without hesitation.
The aggressive batter then took on Kagiso Rabada in the next over, hammering him for two huge sixes and putting the Gujarat Titans under pressure early in the innings.
When Siraj returned for his second over – the third over of the innings – Sooryavanshi continued the assault. The youngster hit three boundaries in the first four balls of the over, leaving Siraj visibly frustrated. The leader then had a brief discussion with GT skipper Shubman Gill before completely changing his approach.
Broadcast cameras also captured Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra gesturing from the dugout moments before the dismissal, with the tactical move ultimately working perfectly for Mohammed Siraj against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Nehra was seen signaling Siraj to vary his approach and use his awareness of the game to outplay the batter.
Siraj responded with a sharp, slippery bouncer, clocked at 146.6 kmph. Sooryavanshi attempted a pull shot but only managed a leading edge, and Arshad Khan took a superb catch safely.
After dismissing the dangerous youngster, Siraj celebrated wildly and bid a spirited farewell, emphasizing the importance of the wicket.
WATCH:
Earlier, Gujarat Titans posted a massive 229/4 after skipper Shubman Gill smashed a quickfire 84 off 44 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Sai Sudharsan contributed 55 off 36 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and two sixes in a 118-run opening stand. Washington Sundar also played a valuable role, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 20 balls.
For Rajasthan Royals, Brijesh Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/47, while Yash Raj Punja and Ravindra Jadeja claimed a wicket each.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Health-GettyImages-2152179271-3e9f71e5480f4cd98b8abbf78ea35595.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "6 Most Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Creatine Supplement")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/gettyimages-175383361-ed178c5fcc43425f849129b686b1b9da.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "Why Does Your Skin Peel After a Sunburn?")
