Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Riyan Parag has stated the team management has asked Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to not focus too much on what’s going out outside the cricket field. Praising the 15-year-old, he added that he is happy the opening batter is in his team and not in the opposition.

Sooryavanshi clobbered a 15-ball half-century as RR decimated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to win game three of IPL 2026 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30 by eight wickets. Sent into bat, CSK were knocked over for 127 in 19.4 overs. In the chase, RR romped home in 12.1 overs as Sooryavanshi led the way with a blazing 52 off 17 balls.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, RR skipper Riyan opened up on how the team is keeping the youngster in a good frame of mind. He said:

“We have asked Vaibhav not to focus on external factors and not take much pressure. He loves batting, so we make sure he is getting enough batting in the nets. If he likes to eat something, we make sure that is available for him. As far as what he does inside in concerned, like everyone in the stands, we are also in awe over how he is striking the ball. Very glad that he is in our team and not in the opposition.”

Asked about his impressive captaincy, Riyan took a dig at critics and stated that he would hope for similar analysis when they lose as well. He commented:

“There are a lot of things and opinions that go on outside about me, which is something I have learnt not to get to me. I am doing it pretty well I think.”

Sooryavanshi slammed four fours and five sixes in his whirlwind knock before being dismissed by Anshul Kamboj. Earlier, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja all chipped in with two wickets each.

“We need to move forward with a positive attitude” – Michael Hussey after CSK’s loss to RR

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey asserted that the think tank will back the squad despite the disappointing result against RR. The Australian batting legend said that CSK would look to remain positive as they move ahead. He commented:

“100 percent, we will still be backing this team. I would expect much better batting performances in the future, particularly if the pitches are flatter. I don’t want out batsmen moving forward to have clouded thoughts. We need to move forward with a positive attitude.”

Hussey said that losing the toss gave RR an advantage in the contest. He, however, admitted that CSK were totally outplayed. He elaborated:

“I don’t think it would have mattered in the whole context. They outplayed us, but I think it was a good toss to win. That pitch had been under covers for a long time. There was certainly some movement early and out batsmen probably struggled to adjust.”

CSK’s second match in IPL 2026 will be against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3.