IPL 2026: Dhruv Jurel reveals secret to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s preparation

Published - 28 May 2026, 13:28 IST | Updated - 28 May 2026, 13:28 IST

Rajasthan Royals (RR) wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel was all praises for the teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his heroics in the Eliminator clash between RR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 27 at Mullanpur.

It was an innings of a lifetime by the southpaw as he smashed 97 runs in just 29 balls to blow away the Pat Cummins-led side single-handedly in the knockout clash. He broke several IPL records enroute to his scintillating knock.

Vaibhav’s RR teammate Dhruv Jurel, after the match, gave some insights into the left-hander’s pre-match routine and how he approaches his game, and what makes him different from others.

"The best thing about Vaibhav that I have noticed is that he doesn't plan anything. Because he practices a lot and he always backs himself. That's what he does every time he goes out and plays. The best thing about him is that he backs himself. He doesn't even have a shadow of doubt that 'I am not able to do it,” said Jurel in a post-match press conference.

This year, the 15-year-old has taken IPL by storm, smashing 680 runs at a strike rate of 242.85. What makes this feat even more special is that he has tormented some of the best bowlers in the world, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Starc with ease.

According to Jurel, the RR opener really plays the ball and not the bowler, and does not care who is bowling to him.

"When we go to an academy, (we're told) 'Don't watch the bowler, watch the ball. As 17-year-olds, we always watch the bowler, (and think) he's a big name. But really, he just watches the ball. That's all. His mantra is 'I don't want to give a damn about any bowler',” Jurel concluded.

The inaugural IPL champions won the match by a comfortable margin of 47-runs to book their place in the qualifier 2. They will now take on Gujarat Titans on May 29 to book a place in the finals.