Rajasthan Royals begin their 2024 IPL campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30. Fifteen-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - who hit a 35-ball hundred last season and starred in India’s U-19 World Cup win - will partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top.
Captain Riyan Parag says he’ll shield Sooryavanshi from media pressure. "For Vaibhav, the role will be just to go, hit, and not to worry," Parag told reporters. He plans to limit press conferences and interviews so Sooryavanshi stays focused on his natural game.
Sooryavanshi, who posted a 206+ strike rate last season, aims to surpass Chris Gayle’s IPL record 175 not out.