With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewriting IPL records at 15, Yashasvi Jaiswal faces his lowest-scoring IPL season — and growing calls from cricketing voices to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Prodigy Rewrites the Record Books

It was supposed to be another Rajasthan Royals batting display. By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi walked off the field against Sunrisers Hyderabad — dismissed for 97, three runs shy of what would have been the fastest hundred in IPL history — the conversation in Indian cricket had already changed. The 15-year-old had broken Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a single IPL season during the same innings, helping RR post 243/8. SRH replied with 196, losing by 47 runs.

It was emphatically Sooryavanshi's evening. And that, increasingly, is the problem for the man who opens alongside him.

Jaiswal's Numbers Quietly Dip

Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 426 runs in the current IPL campaign — his lowest return across the past four seasons. The contrast with recent years is sharp: 559 runs, then 435, then a career-best 625 in 2024. The spark that once defined his game at the top of the order has been harder to find, and former India players are beginning to say so publicly.

Former India captain Mohammad Kaif was candid on his YouTube channel about what he sees unfolding at Rajasthan Royals.

"Jaiswal was one such player who used to dominate. What Vaibhav is doing, Jaiswal used to do. Yes, he didn't use to hit so many sixes but had a higher strike rate and used to hit boundaries. He has gotten behind that phase. He's a strong player and would make a comeback." — Mohammad Kaif

He added: "Someone is doing his work, and that too 50 times better, so that's the difference. He's playing second fiddle. I think he's an excellent player."

Rayudu Urges a Move

Now in his seventh season with the Royals, Jaiswal is at a fork in the road — at least according to Ambati Rayudu. The former Chennai Super Kings batter told ESPNcricinfo that the young opener needs a platform where the spotlight belongs to him alone.

"He needs to change his game because he cannot just bat with the guy and be overshadowed every single time. He is a star in his own right. If he goes to another team, he will win games on his own. He needs space and a platform because this guy will continue to overshadow people." — Ambati Rayudu, ESPNcricinfo

Rayudu also named a potential destination, pointing to Mumbai Indians as a side that will eventually need to fill the opening slot vacated by Rohit Sharma. "MI could be a great team for Jaiswal," he said.

White-Ball Future in Question

The concern stretches beyond franchise cricket. Jaiswal was once considered an all-format certainty for India, but the picture looks more complicated now. A century against South Africa in his most recent ODI outing was a bright spot, yet he was not included in the squad for the subsequent Afghanistan series. In T20Is, the surging form of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson has pushed him further down the pecking order in the shortest format.

What Comes Next

There is no dispute over Jaiswal's talent — even Kaif was emphatic about his quality and future. The harder question is about context. When the same stage, the same team, and often the same over belongs to a 15-year-old phenom, even the best players can find themselves adjusting in ways that don't suit them. Whether Jaiswal re-establishes his identity at the Royals or moves on will become clearer at the auction table. For now, the debate is live — and louder than he would have hoped.

Notices served but no violation yet

Indian cricketers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shafali Verma have been served official “missed test” notices by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The agency issued the notices after both players were reportedly not available at their declared locations for out-of-competition dope tests.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also been informed. Both cricketers are part of NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), which requires them to regularly update their whereabouts for surprise sample collection.

At this stage, this is not an anti-doping violation. But the development has drawn attention because repeated failures can lead to disciplinary action under NADA’s code.

What happened with Jaiswal and Shafali?

According to a India Today report, NADA officials attempted to test Jaiswal on December 17 last year. Shafali’s scheduled test was on November 7. On both occasions, the players were not found at the locations they had submitted to the agency.

NADA later asked both to explain the situation. Jaiswal reportedly received the communication on February 18, while Shafali got hers on February 20. No response came within the given time, so the agency recorded their first missed tests.

Under NADA rules, athletes in the RTP must provide a specific time slot and exact location where a Doping Control Officer can reach them for surprise testing — even during off-season or personal breaks.

Three failures within a year can bring suspension

A single missed test does not automatically mean a rule violation. But three whereabouts failures within 12 months can be treated as an anti-doping violation. If a player fails to defend themselves before NADA’s hearing panel, they could face a suspension of up to two years.

The system is designed to ensure athletes remain available for random testing at all times — outside tournaments, training camps, or personal travel.

Crucial time for both cricketers

The notices have come at an important stage in their careers. Jaiswal is currently playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. The team is still fighting for a playoff spot, and any distraction is unwelcome.

Shafali remains a key part of India Women’s plans ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, starting June 12. Missing tests at this stage, even procedural ones, adds unwanted attention.

A reminder of past doping cases

The incident has reminded many of Prithvi Shaw’s 2019 case. The former India opener received an eight-month suspension after testing positive for Terbutaline, a banned substance found in cough syrup. The BCCI had then clarified Shaw consumed it unintentionally.

Unlike that case, the current notices to Jaiswal and Shafali are only about missed tests — not failed samples. Still, the warnings underline how seriously NADA enforces compliance for modern athletes. Both players now have a chance to respond or update their whereabouts more carefully to avoid further notices.

IPL 2026: Capitals face Royals test in must-win Jaipur clash

As Delhi Capitals aim to recover from a crushing defeat, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mitchell Starc prepare for a high-stakes battle in Jaipur.

The playoffs race in IPL 2026 has reached that stage where every net run rate and every toss feels like a sub-plot. Match 43 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday evening isn't just another fixture. It is, quite simply, a test of nerve.

For the Delhi Capitals, the last few days have been a statistical whiplash. They posted a monumental 264/2 against Punjab Kings, only to fold for a meager 75 all out against RCB. That kind of swing is hard to explain, even for captain Axar Patel. Across the dugout, the Rajasthan Royals finally look like they’ve found their rhythm, having handed Punjab their first loss of the season.

Starc available, but for how long?

The big talking point in the Capitals’ camp has been the availability of Mitchell Starc. The premier pacer has joined the squad and has reportedly had a couple of net sessions under his belt. Whether he walks straight into the eleven remains a tactical call.

But Starc’s presence alone changes the dynamic. He will be up against a Royals' top order that is playing with a rather unusual brand of fearlessness, led by a 15-year-old who is making the adults look ordinary.

The Sooryavanshi phenomenon

You cannot talk about this Royals side without mentioning Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. It feels strange to keep repeating the age, but the numbers are staggering: 400 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 238.09. He doesn't just attack; he dismantles plans.

Alongside him, Jofra Archer has finally found his rhythm in the pink jersey. Fourteen wickets in nine games, mostly with the new ball. If Starc plays, the sight of these two fast bowlers running in from either end could be worth the price of admission.

Rahul’s redemption arc

For Delhi, KL Rahul has been the anchor they desperately needed. His 152 record is still fresh in memory, and he currently leads their batting charts with 358 runs. But the question remains: can he accelerate without losing his shape against Archer?

The numbers suggest a close contest. Rahul has scored 90 runs off the 61 balls he has faced from Archer, striking at nearly 150. But Archer has dismissed him once and kept his economy under 9. A lot depends on who blinks first in the first three overs.

Pitch and weather watch

Only one match has been played here this season, but the surface at the Sawai Mansingh is expected to be a belter. Batting tends to get easier as the dew factor kicks in. Given the trend this year, chasing will likely be the preferred option at the toss.

The weather is clear, thankfully. No rain is expected, though the humidity in Jaipur in the evening could be a factor. Temperatures are expected to hover around the mid-30s (Celsius), meaning the bowlers will be sweating it out quite literally.

The Kuldeep-Jaiswal subplot

Beyond the headline acts, keep an eye on the spin battle. Kuldeep Yadav has had a quiet season by his standards, but he has historically troubled Yashasvi Jaiswal. In the 12 balls he has bowled to the RR opener, he has conceded 19 runs but crucially, has his wicket once. In a format where margins are thin, that matchup could decide the middle overs.

The bottom line

With both teams tied in the broader context of the points table, this isn't just about pride. It is about momentum. The Royals are riding a wave. The Capitals are trying to stop a leak. Expect a packed house in Jaipur and a contest that goes deep.

Rajasthan Royals SWOT Analysis: Riyan Parag Takes Charge as New Era Begins

The franchise ushers in a new leadership era under Riyan Parag following Sanju Samson’s departure, with a revamped squad and fresh ownership aiming to end a prolonged title drought.

Rajasthan Royals have officially embarked on a new chapter. Riyan Parag has been handed the captaincy reins as the franchise begins its post-Sanju Samson era, backed by a consortium led by Kal Somani which acquired the team for a record ₹15,289 crores. The inaugural IPL champions are looking to rebuild after a disappointing ninth-place finish last season.

New Captain at the Helm

Riyan Parag, who led the side briefly last year, now takes on the full-time responsibility. The 24-year-old has been part of the Royals setup for 84 matches, scoring 1,566 runs. Comparisons with his predecessor, Sanju Samson—who guided the team to the 2022 final—are inevitable. Kumar Sangakkara returns as head coach, providing experienced oversight to the young leader.

Strong Indian Core Remains

The franchise has retained its core batting strength, placing faith in domestic talent. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi—who scored a historic century last year—form the backbone. The batting lineup is further reinforced with the addition of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Dasun Shanaka, alongside Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira.

Bowling Concerns Persist

While the batting order appears formidable, the bowling attack remains a vulnerability. Last season, the team lost several matches from winning positions due to pressure-crumbling collapses. The pace department, featuring Jofra Archer, Adam Milne, and Kwena Maphaka, will need to deliver consistently. Ravi Bishnoi, purchased for ₹7.20 crore in the auction, adds a wicket-taking option in the spin department.

Middle Order Questions Loom

Beyond Hetmyer—who scored 248 runs at an average of 41.33 in the T20 World Cup 2026—the finisher’s role remains unsettled. Neither Jadeja nor Shanaka has a proven track record as a consistent finisher in the IPL. Sources within the camp indicate that Donovan Ferreira is being considered for the role, but the pressure will be on Dhruv Jurel to elevate his game in the middle overs.

Overseas Selection Puzzle

Riyan Parag faces a selection dilemma with eight overseas players vying for four spots. Jofra Archer and Hetmyer are almost certain starters. The remaining two slots will likely be contested between Adam Milne, Nandre Burger, and Dasun Shanaka. Finding the right balance between batting depth and bowling firepower will be critical in the first few games.

Road Ahead for the Royals

The franchise’s new ownership has shown a commitment to continuity, retaining 13 players from last year’s squad. However, consistency remains the key. According to team management, the focus is on developing a winning combination early in the tournament to avoid the mid-season slump that derailed their 2025 campaign. With a blend of explosive youth and experienced all-rounders, the Royals will look to end their title drought that dates back to the inaugural season in 2008.