“Don’t have to be Vaibhav Sooryavanshi”: Indian cricket legend’s advise for Yash – Harbhajan Singh’s Advice to Yashasvi Jaiswal Ahead of GT vs RR Qualifier 2
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The Shadow of the Prodigy
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match between the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals, the cricket world finds itself captivated by the rise of 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His explosive performances, particularly his recent carnage against Sunrisers Hyderabad, have dominated social media discourse. However, amidst the excitement surrounding the teenage prodigy, former Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shifted the focus toward a vital pillar of the Rajasthan Royals lineup: Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Understanding the Difference: Jaiswal vs. Sooryavanshi
Before Sooryavanshi’s arrival on the main stage, Jaiswal was widely regarded as the most promising young talent in the Indian setup. While the prospect of the two playing together is enticing, their current roles and technical styles differ significantly. Harbhajan Singh, providing his expert analysis on Star Sports, noted that while Jaiswal remains a formidable force, he appears to be compromising his natural batting flair to match the aggressive six-hitting style of his teammate.
So far in the 2026 season, Jaiswal has compiled a respectable 426 runs across 15 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 152.23. Yet, Harbhajan believes the young left-hander is currently caught in a tactical trap. According to the veteran, Jaiswal is attempting to force maximums instead of playing to his own inherent strengths as a prolific boundary-hitter.
The Technical Advice
“If I am in the RR camp, I will tell him just one thing: ‘You don’t have to try and be Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. You have to remain Jaiswal,’” Harbhajan stated. The former cricketer emphasized that Jaiswal possesses a unique game that sets him apart from most of his peers. The core of Harbhajan’s advice is simple yet profound: focus on timing rather than raw power.
Harbhajan explained that the physical approach to the ball is where the shift has occurred for Jaiswal. “Yashasvi just needs to time the ball. He is also trying to hit the ball too hard, which is why his body weight is going backwards, and the ball is going in the air. All he needs to do is just back himself and play along the ground and time the ball,” he added. The distinction is clear—Jaiswal is a natural four-hitter, and by attempting to force sixes, he disrupts his balance and technique. When he reverts to his natural, grounded style, the sixes will naturally follow as a byproduct of his rhythm.
The Tactical Landscape of Qualifier 2
Beyond individual performances, the upcoming clash in Punjab presents a tactical challenge for the Rajasthan Royals. While the Royals carry significant momentum into the match, Harbhajan warned that the Gujarat Titans are a vastly different prospect compared to the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Titans boast a disciplined, high-quality bowling attack that is unlikely to be as generous as the SRH bowlers were in previous encounters.
With the match slated for Punjab, home-crowd favorite Shubman Gill will be looking to lead his Titans side with authority. Harbhajan acknowledges that while the Rajasthan Royals might be slight favorites based on their current form, the inherent quality of the Gujarat squad ensures a highly competitive battle. The outcome will likely depend on whether players like Jaiswal can keep their composure and execute their natural plans against a disciplined GT unit, rather than falling into the trap of competing with the high-octane style of the tournament’s newest breakout star.
As the Royals prepare for this pivotal moment in the 2026 season, the overarching message from the cricketing fraternity is clear: the strength of the team lies in Jaiswal playing his own game, trusting his technique, and staying true to the qualities that established him as one of India’s brightest prospects in the first place.
