“Father in me doesn’t…”: Pathan calls out GT for short-pitch bowling ploy agai – Irfan Pathan Criticizes GT’s Short-Pitch Tactics Against 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
A Clash of Tactics and Temperament
The intensity of the Indian Premier League reached a boiling point during the second qualifier between the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals. While the match served up high-octane cricket, it was the controversial bowling tactics employed against 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that grabbed headlines, drawing sharp criticism from former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
The Controversy: Bodyline Tactics
During the crucial knockout fixture, the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack, featuring experienced international pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, opted for a persistent short-pitch strategy against the young left-handed opener. The aggressive approach saw Sooryavanshi struck on the helmet by a delivery from Rabada, necessitating an immediate intervention from the team physio to conduct concussion protocols.
For many onlookers, including Irfan Pathan, the sight of elite bowlers targeting the body of a 15-year-old debutant was unsettling. Taking to social media, Pathan expressed his disappointment, stating, “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’s comments highlight the delicate balance between competitive spirit and the protection of young talent entering the professional arena.
Sooryavanshi’s Remarkable Resilience
Despite the intimidating nature of the bowling and the physical toll of being hit, Sooryavanshi showcased remarkable maturity beyond his years. Far from being rattled, the Bihar-born youngster produced a stunning display of batting, scoring 96 runs off just 47 balls. His innings was a testament to his technical prowess and mental fortitude, proving that he is more than capable of handling the pressures of top-tier cricket.
Riyan Parag Hails the Prodigy
The admiration for Sooryavanshi’s talent extends well beyond the fans. Rajasthan Royals teammate Riyan Parag, who has been a standout performer himself, was full of praise for the young opener. Reflecting on Sooryavanshi’s impact on the team, Parag noted, “Cannot put into words, the way he bats, it’s not slogging. He is always calculating and assessing the situation when he goes into bat and does everything well.”
Parag expressed his hopes for the youngster’s future, stating, “Hopefully, he continues to do that and plays for India and also keeps playing for RR and wins us the second title.” With 776 runs accumulated throughout the 2026 season, Sooryavanshi has undeniably made a compelling case for national selection.
Match Context and Future Prospects
While the focus remained on the young star, the game itself was a high-scoring encounter. Rajasthan Royals set a formidable target of 214 runs. The Gujarat Titans, led by a majestic century from Shubman Gill and a composed half-century from Sai Sudharsan, successfully chased down the total. The Titans secured a seven-wicket victory with eight balls to spare, earning their spot in the final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident involving the short-pitch bowling has sparked a wider conversation within the cricketing community. While aggressive bowling is an inherent part of the sport, the discourse surrounding the treatment of young athletes like Sooryavanshi underscores the evolving nature of professional conduct in modern cricket. As the youngster looks toward a bright future, his composure under fire remains one of the most promising narratives of the IPL 2026 season.
