Irfan Pathan disgusted with Ashish Nehra’s tactic against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – Irfan Pathan Criticizes Gujarat Titans’ Bodyline Tactics Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

A Tactical Debate in the IPL

The Indian Premier League is no stranger to high-intensity battles, but a recent clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has sparked a heated conversation regarding sportsmanship and the treatment of young talent. At the center of this discourse is 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive form has made him a primary target for opposing bowling units.

The Strategy Against the Teen Prodigy

Recognizing Sooryavanshi as the powerhouse of the Rajasthan Royals lineup, the Gujarat Titans devised a specific plan to neutralize the youngster. Leveraging the extra bounce provided by the Mullanpur surface, the GT pace battery—comprising Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Jason Holder—opted for a consistent bodyline strategy. By targeting the batter’s body rather than the stumps, they aimed to restrict his scoring and disrupt his rhythm.

The impact was immediate. Sooryavanshi, who had been maintaining a staggering strike rate of over 230 throughout the IPL 2026 season, found himself forced into a defensive shell. The teenager required over 30 balls to reach his half-century, a testament to the effectiveness of the Titans’ tactics. The situation turned more intense in the 14th over when a sharp bouncer from Kagiso Rabada struck the young batter on his helmet, a moment that drew immediate concern given his age.

Irfan Pathan’s Candid Critique

The tactical approach did not sit well with former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Taking to social media during the game, Pathan expressed his discomfort, noting that the aggressive bodyline bowling felt inappropriate for such a young player. Pathan emphasized that while Sooryavanshi is undoubtedly competing against seasoned professionals, the human element—specifically his perspective as a father—made it difficult to condone such a targeting of a 15-year-old.

“Body line bowling to stop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn’t fit well with me. I know he is playing against the big boys, but the father in me doesn’t agree with that,” Pathan stated, echoing the sentiments of many fans who feel that a line must be drawn when dealing with teenage athletes.

A Resilient Performance

Despite the physical pressure, Sooryavanshi showcased remarkable composure. As he grew accustomed to the conditions and the bounce of the pitch, he eventually broke free from the shackles. In the 15th over, he demonstrated his class by dispatching a Mohammed Siraj bouncer for a maximum, signaling that his aggression remained intact.

Sooryavanshi concluded his innings with a brilliant 96 off 47 deliveries, an effort decorated with eight boundaries and seven sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 204.26. His contribution was pivotal in helping the Rajasthan Royals post a competitive total of 214 runs.

The Bowlers’ Perspective

Following the first innings, Kagiso Rabada addressed the strategy employed by the Titans. He attributed the bowling approach to the specific characteristics of the pitch, which offered a “tennis ball bounce.” Rabada explained that the team was simply adjusting to the conditions to maximize their effectiveness. “Trying to hang as much as possible in and around that area, and then adjust accordingly. That’s always key, bowling is about line and length,” Rabada noted, emphasizing that the team’s objective was to capitalize on the surface’s offerings.

While the Rajasthan Royals managed a respectable total, the Gujarat Titans ultimately secured the victory, fueled by an outstanding 104-run knock from Shubman Gill. The match served as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the IPL and the ongoing tension between competitive strategy and the protection of young stars entering the professional arena.