Irfan Pathan Thrashed For 'Fatherly' Defending Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Irfan Pathan defended Vaibhav Sooryavanshi [Source: X and Screengrab]

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 alight with a fearless 96 off 47 balls, but his innings also sparked a heated debate. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter was repeatedly targeted with short-pitched, body-directed deliveries from Gujarat Titans pacers- Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took a strong stand against the tactic on social media. Although Pathan’s words highlighted the discomfort many felt watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi face such intimidation on a big stage, his comment also drew large-scale backlash.

What is Body-line Bowling?

Body-line, also known as fast leg theory, is a controversial bowling tactic designed to intimidate batters rather than simply dismiss them.

It was infamously used by England during the 1932–33 Ashes series to curb the dominance of Don Bradman. Fast bowlers deliberately pitch the ball short on or just outside the leg stump, making it rear up towards the batter’s body and head.

Then batters are left with dangerous choices that are to take a blow, awkwardly duck, or risk gloving the ball to the waiting fielders, something which was minimally reflected in the GT vs RR clash.

Rabada and Siraj Brutally used Body-line to trouble Sooryavanshi

In the Qualifier 2 clash, the Gujarat Titans unleashed a clear short-ball plan against the young opener. Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj consistently dug the ball into the pitch, targeting Sooryavanshi’s ribs and helmet.

The ball was often angled into his body from around the wicket, forcing him to fend awkwardly or take evasive action. Rabada, bowling with ferocious pace, claimed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wicket for 96 when the batter attempted to clean a short delivery and top-edged to the fielder.

Also Read- Gujarat Titans Achieve Highest Successful Run Chase In IPL Playoff History; Check Full List

Siraj, though less successful in dismissing him, sent down several sharp bouncers that left the teenager visibly uncomfortable and struggling to rotate strike.

At times, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ducked, swayed, and took a few blows on his gloves, but he refused to back down completely. Still, the persistent short-pitched barrage was a clear tactic designed to exploit his weakness.

Irfan Pathan Defends Sooryavanshi with Social Media Action

Watching the assault unfold, Irfan Pathan took to social media to voice his concern after the match.

“Body line bowling to stop 15 years old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 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.”

Irfan Pathan

@IrfanPathan

Body line bowling to stop 15 years old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 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.

While no rules were broken, Pathan pointed out that there is a difference between fair competition and targeting a child with potentially dangerous short-pitched bowling.

This, however, had an opposite reaction from the fans online as they slammed the former cricketer for defending Sooryavanshi.

Erika Morris

@ErikaMorris79

@IrfanPathan If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

Vivian

@Viva22viv

@IrfanPathan The most under statement anyone could make. You bowl to take wickets, not to give freebies

Prophecy

@KhushendraKuma1

@IrfanPathan You also know he is not 15 yrs old. He can smash bowlers but bowlers can not do anything

hrishikesh iyengar

@IamHrishi_24

@IrfanPathan How can you have the worst take every single time?

eigenhaunt

@eigenhaunt

@IrfanPathan So don't let him play with big boys. Stupid take Irfan.

Fifth Stump

@fifthstump

@IrfanPathan Bruhh... It's IPL .... Come on!!! All enjoyed him toying world class bowlers 🤷🏻 Now they are coming back well, suddenly spirit of circket out of nowhere comes 🙃

Parag Mandpe

@ParagMandpe

@IrfanPathan A 15 year old is getting 1.10 crore as his IPL salary . Does the father in you agree to give such a big sum to a small kid

aniket

@aniket746117002

@IrfanPathan He smashed 8-9 sixes to praful hinge , what do you expect anyone to react with ? Greeting cards

Archer

@poserarcher

@IrfanPathan Remove his runs against adults if you have problem!! Pls read books enhance your brain.and stop hanging out with harbhajan and aakash chopra they will deteriorate your brain more

How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Performed Despite RR Exit

Sooryavanshi’s 96 off 47 balls was the lone shining light in Rajasthan’s innings. He struck 8 fours and 7 sixes, displaying exceptional hand-eye coordination and power.

After the early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, Sooryavanshi rebuilt the innings with Ravindra Jadeja, who retired hurt on 34.

The teenager reached his fifty off 31 balls and was on course for a historic hundred before falling to Rabada. Donovan Ferreira’s blistering 38 off 11 pushed RR to 214 for 6.

In reply, the Gujarat Titans made a mockery of the target. Shubman Gill smashed 104 off 53, and Sai Sudharsan added 58 as GT chased down 215 with 7 wickets and 8 balls to spare.

The result eliminated the Rajasthan Royals from the tournament. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s heroics ended in heartbreak, his memorable innings overshadowed by the triumphant win that GT boasts ahead of IPL 2026 Final on May 31.

Also Read- Shubman Gill Overshadows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Madness; Makes New IPL Record