“Father in me doesn’t…”: Pathan calls out GT for short-pitch bowling ploy agai – Irfan Pathan Criticizes GT’s Tactics Against Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

A Clash of Tactics and Youth

In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 second qualifier between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals, the cricket world witnessed a moment that sparked intense debate. While the match was defined by aggressive batting and high scores, it was the specific bowling strategy aimed at 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that drew criticism from former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

The ‘Bodyline’ Controversy

During the pivotal clash on Friday night, the Gujarat Titans pacers, led by Kagiso Rabada and supported by Mohammed Siraj, adopted a ‘bodyline’ approach. This tactic involved a barrage of short-pitched deliveries directed at the teenage sensation. The intensity of the bowling became apparent when a delivery from Kagiso Rabada struck Sooryavanshi directly on the helmet, necessitating an immediate intervention from the physio to conduct concussion protocols.

Irfan Pathan, observing the match, took to social media to express his discomfort with these tactics. Posting on X, he stated, “Body line bowling to stop 15-year-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.” Pathan’s perspective highlighted the fine line between competitive professional cricket and the protection of emerging young talent.

A Resilient Performance

Despite the physical challenge posed by the Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi demonstrated remarkable maturity and grit. The young opener did not shy away from the test; instead, he continued his aggressive approach, ultimately scoring an impressive 96 runs off just 47 balls. His performance underscored why he is currently considered one of the most exciting prospects in global cricket.

The match itself saw Rajasthan Royals post a formidable total of 214 runs. However, the Gujarat Titans successfully chased down the target, led by a masterful century from Shubman Gill and another consistent half-century from Sai Sudharsan. With this seven-wicket victory, the Titans secured their place in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Praise from Teammates

Following the match, the conversation surrounding Sooryavanshi continued, with Riyan Parag offering high praise for his young teammate. Having accumulated 776 runs throughout the season, the Bihar-born opener has cemented his reputation as a player ready for the international stage.

Reflecting on the young prodigy’s talent, Riyan Parag noted, “Cannot put into words (about Sooryavanshi), 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 future, adding, “Hopefully, he continues to do that and plays for India and also keeps playing for RR and wins us the second title.”

Looking Ahead

The incident involving the short-pitch bowling has reignited discussions regarding how young players should be treated when they enter the senior professional circuit. While the physicality of the game is an undeniable part of the IPL, Pathan’s comments serve as a reminder that the development and safety of teenage prodigies remain a priority for the cricketing community. As Sooryavanshi continues to make headlines with his bat, the cricketing fraternity will be watching closely to see how he handles the pressure of elite cricket in the seasons to come.

Conclusion

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has undeniably taken the IPL by storm. Whether facing extreme pace or tactical short-pitched bowling, his ability to read the game and score at a rapid pace suggests a bright future. As the IPL 2026 concludes, his journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern cricket, and the support from senior players like Riyan Parag suggests that the youngster is in the right environment to flourish.