Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has outlined how Mumbai Indians and Jasprit Bumrah can stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in their clash against Rajasthan Royals. MI and RR are set to face off in Match No. 13 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, with Sooryavanshi expected to pose a major threat to the five-time champions.
The young RR sensation has already made an impressive start to the season, scoring 83 runs at a strike rate of 237.14. Finch believes Bumrah should take the new ball and target Sooryavanshi early with a fuller length, using a hint of swing to try and knock him over.
“I would expect Bumrah to go really full if he bowls earlier than we’ve said. I know he has bowled a couple of overs in the powerplay, but if they do give him the ball first up, he’ll probably look to go really full and try to knock him over with a bit of swing,” Finch told ESPNcricinfo.
HOW WILL VAIBHAV APPROACH BUMRAH?
Finch felt Sooryavanshi’s approach against Bumrah may not change too much despite the quality of the opposition, pointing out that the 15-year-old has already shown a fearless mindset against any attack.
He said the youngster’s natural game is built around freedom and aggression, which makes him such a unique prospect at such a young age.
“I don’t think it really matters how he lines up against him. It’s such an unusual prospect when you’re looking at a 15-year-old. He’s much closer to the start of his teenage years than the end, so it’s remarkable,” Finch said.
“Bumrah is a wonderful bowler, he has plans and tricks for every batter. But Sooryavanshi’s ability to walk in from the start and take on any attack is so special. To see a young kid play with that kind of freedom is incredible,” Finch added.
Sooryavanshi faced MI once last season but was dismissed for a duck by Deepak Chahar. Although Bumrah was part of that game, he did not get a chance to bowl to the RR batter.
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