Sooryvanshi blamed for Jaiswal's downfall [Source: AFP, AP]The Rajasthan Royals franchise struck a masterstroke during the IPL 2025 mega auction when they played a punt and bought a 13-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to strengthen their squad. A hefty amount of money was invested in the deal, and experts were baffled by RR’s decision.The move paid dividends immediately, as the teenager became an instant hit and smashed a century in his very first season to announce his arrival. He continued his rich vein of form in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, and, thanks to his exploits, the franchise reached the playoffs.However, because of Sooryavanshi’s arrival, it seems Yashasvi Jaiswal has taken a back seat, and from being the poster boy of the Royals, the left-handed Jaiswal has become an afterthought, which has affected his IPL 2026 performance.Jaiswal's underwhelming IPL 2026 seasonThe Rajasthan Royals managed to reach the playoffs, and Jaiswal started the campaign on a positive note with a couple of match-winning knocks. However, the runs dried up, and Sooryavanshi had to carry the batting lineup on his young shoulders.In 14 matches, the left-handed player scored 397 runs, with an average of 33, and a strike rate of 159. Nearly 400 runs in the league stage, but the season looked underwhelming, considering his lofty IPL standards.R Ashwin blames Sooryavanshi for Jaiswal's failuresThe 15-year-old has surpassed Jaiswal in terms of match-winning contribution, and former Indian player R Ashwin feels that Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise is the reason for Jaiswal’s struggling IPL 2026 season.Speakibg on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: "It is slightly underwhelming and I am a bit surprised by Yashasvi Jaiswal's performance in the Rajasthan Royals team. I am a little surprised because I expected a lot from him; I have high hopes. But I just have a slight inkling of a feeling that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's display has perhaps shaken Jaiswal a bit. It has rattled him," Ashwin said.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Creates Yet Another IPL RecordAshwin compares Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal situation to India's great Test pairThe legendary spinner compared the Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal situation to Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag's in Test cricket."If you remember the opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra in Test matches, Aakash Chopra used to play really well, giving good starts of 30 or 40 runs. But the sheer style and manner in which Virender Sehwag batted used to make Aakash Chopra look almost invisible. Not that he was; Aakash Chopra did a great job on that Australian tour too. But I just have a feeling that because of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fierce batting here, it has thrown Jaiswal off a little. In many games, Jaiswal got out trying to hit the ball too hard," Ashwin added.How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the IPL by stormThe young Sooryavanshi fears no one, and it was evident in how the talented player batted in the entire IPL season. While Jaiswal struggled in the second half, and Riyan Parag blew hot and cold, the 15-year-old became a problem for the opposition.In 14 IPL 2026 games, he slammed 583 runs, with an astonishing strike rate of 232, including three fifties, and a solitary hundred as well.Is Sooryavanshi responsible for Jaiswal's downfall?Anurag's take on itIn reality, Sooryavanshi’s rise cannot be blamed for Jaiswal’s underwhelming season. The 24-year-old player has been playing in the IPL since 2020, and has enough experience in his arsenal.Sooryavanshi’s domination should be a motivation for him to deliver the goods, instead of lagging behind.Also Read: Travis Head's Wife Openly Calls Out Virat Kohli Fans For Online Abuse
