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'If Vaibhav Bats Through Powerplay, RR Will Have The Advantage: Kumble

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could once again hold the key for his side when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Friday, noting that if the youngster survives the powerplay, it will give a massive advantage to RR. Despite RR's strong performances in the tournament, Kumble feels the side still enters the contest as underdogs but backed them to edge past Gujarat if Vaibhav delivers another impactful start. Its a hard one to predict. Its really hard because Rajasthan have done well, yet they still seem to be the underdogs. I think Ill go with the underdogs. Im still expecting Vaibhav to do what he did against SRH because if Vaibhav does that, Rajasthan will have the advantage, Kumble told JioHotstar. The young RR opener has been one of the standout performers of the season and currently holds the Orange Cap. The 15-year-old played a brilliant knock of 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which proved crucial to their big win in the eliminator. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the Orange Cap holder, and that doesnt come from doing it just once or against a couple of teams. Hes done it consistently over the last two months, and that says a lot about the youngster. Its not just about going out there and bashing a few sixes, even though he is the highest six-hitter now. If he bats through the Powerplay, RR will have the advantage, Kumble added. Kumble, however, pointed out that the Gujarat Titans possess a potent new-ball attack capable of putting Rajasthan under pressure early in the innings. GT have a very set plan. They have Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada bowling three overs each, and thats where the game could change, he said. The former India leg-spinner also noted that the conditions in Ahmedabad have suited Gujarats seamers this season, though he expects them to regroup after their previous outing. GT have a very set plan. They have Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada bowling three overs each, and thats where the game could change, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The winner of Fridays Qualifier 2 will progress to the IPL 2026 final, where they will face the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday. Article Source: IANS

29 May 2026 11:52 am