Mumbai Indians (MI) have offered a grounded verdict on Rajasthan Royals\u2019 teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, downplaying the growing hype around the 15-year-old ahead of their IPL 2026 encounter in Guwahati. Speaking to the press, MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey made an intriguing observation, stating that Sooryavanshi is “not new” to the circuit. Highlighting that this is the youngster’s second year in the league, the MI think-tank insisted that while his performances are “praiseworthy,” they will not be altering their preparation or crafting specific tactics to counter the left-hander.\u00a0\u00a0The showdown at the Barsapara Stadium is being billed as a defining “prodigy vs. master” battle, as Sooryavanshi is set to face Jasprit Bumrah for the first time. The youngster has already silenced “second-season syndrome” critics this year, smashing a 15-ball half-century in the Royals’ opener against Chennai Super Kings.
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His explosive start to 2026 follows a record-breaking debut season where he became the youngest player to score a T20 century.\u00a0While former cricketers like Mohammad Kaif have admitted to changing their tune about the youngster being “over-hyped,” Mumbai Indians appear focused on maintaining a standard professional approach. Mhambrey also dismissed the idea of RR spinner Ravi Bishnoi being a “mystery,” suggesting that MI treats all standout performers with the same level of calculated analysis rather than getting caught up in the media narrative. As the Royals aim for the top of the table, all eyes will be on whether the teen sensation can hold his own against Bumrah\u2019s lethal pace and MI\u2019s “business-as-usual” strategy
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