Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshihas once again showcased maturity beyond his age ahead of the crucial Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 15-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the season with his fearless batting approach and remarkable consistency at the top, with 680 runs at a strike rate of 242.85. 

As the Royals gear up for a must-win encounter, Vaibhav stressed the importance of team success over personal milestones. Speaking ahead of the clash against GT, the young batter reflected on the values instilled in him since childhood and explained why team victories matter more to him than individual achievements.

"Since childhood, my father has always told me that if you score a hundred, a double hundred, or even a triple hundred, but the team does not win because of it, then those runs hold no value. They may only for your personal record, but they do not benefit the team. Cricket, in the end, is a team game.

"If I score 80 instead of a hundred and my team wins, and if we still do not win despite me scoring a century, then that 80 means more to me than the hundred. The longer my team stays in the tournament and the deeper we go into the playoffs and finals, the more chances I will get to score hundreds and achieve whatever records I want to break. So, it benefits both me personally and the team as well," he told JioStar.

Ahead of the high-pressure Qualifier 2 clash, Vaibhav also opened up on the team’s mindset and revealed that the Royals are determined to continue playing fearless cricket without getting overwhelmed by the occasion.

"We are looking to go in with a good mindset and positive intent and continue doing what the whole team has done throughout the tournament. We should continue to enjoy the game, which we always do, not take the pressure of a big match, and back our strengths. As a team and as a unit, we want to reach the finals and hopefully lift the trophy," he continued. 

RR have relied heavily on their aggressive batting unit this season, and Vaibhav’s explosive starts at the top have played a key role in their successful campaign. With a place in the IPL 2026 final at stake, the franchise will once again hope for a strong contribution from the teenage prodigy against the Shubman Gill-led side.