Ravindra Jadeja is back at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, this time with Rajasthan Royals, and has been spotted bowling to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the team's training sessions.
What happened?
Jadeja, with over 600 international wickets, is sharing his expertise with the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who is expected to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for RR in IPL 2026.
Sooryavanshi faced batting practice from Jadeja, and the two were seen sharing smiles and laughs. On one instance, Jadeja fired a flat ball wide of off-stump, and Sooryavanshi claimed it was a wide, saying “*Paaji, bahaar hai* (it’s outside).”
Why it matters for Ravindra Jadeja
The experienced all-rounder joined RR after being traded away from Chennai Super Kings, where he had become a key player. Jadeja knows a thing or two about being a young superstar in the RR environment, having started off under Shane Warne’s wing in the 2008 victorious tournament.
Jadeja and Sooryavanshi's interaction is a significant one, as the young batsman looks to learn from the experienced campaigner. Sooryavanshi had a record-breaking century in the previous edition of the IPL and has been making waves in the Under-19 and A-level tours.
What comes next?
With RR still hunting for their next success, Jadeja might want to recreate the relationship he had with Warne, and see a little bit of Sooryavanshi in himself. The two will be key players for RR in IPL 2026, and their partnership could be one to watch.
Jadeja's expertise will be crucial for Sooryavanshi, who is looking to make a name for himself in the IPL. The young batsman has already shown his potential, and with Jadeja's guidance, he could become one of the most impressive batters in the tournament.
The training sessions have been intense, with Jadeja and Sooryavanshi pushing each other to their limits. The experienced all-rounder has been impressed with Sooryavanshi's skills, and the two have been seen having a fun battle in the nets.
As the IPL approaches, RR will be looking to make a strong start, and Jadeja and Sooryavanshi will be key to their success. The two have already shown a strong bond, and their partnership could be the key to RR's success in IPL 2026.