Former international cricketers Abhinav Mukund and Faf du Plessis shared their predictions on Rajasthan Royals opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Abhinav Mukund expressed confidence that the left-handed batsman will play the entire season and score more than 200 runs.
The young batsman enjoyed a brilliant IPL debut last year. He played an important role in India’s victory during the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The southpaw was named player of the match in the final against England, where India won by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club last month.
He will score 400 runs – Abhinav Mukund’s prediction on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Abhinav Mukund opened up about his expectations from Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Mukund predicted that the aggressive batsman would easily cross the 400-run mark in half the balls.
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Abhinav Mukund said, “If he plays he will get 400 runs. I am sure he will play the whole season. I think he will get 400 runs and if he does it will come in half the balls.”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi will score ___ runs in IPL 2026 pic.twitter.com/H8m2kK9l8J
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 22 March 2026
Great players continue to perform even in their second season – Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was asked about concerns about better preparation of the opposing bowling attack against Suryavanshi. Du Plessis said great players find ways to adapt and perform consistently during their second season.
Faf du Plessis said, “It’s about the difference between good players and great players. Great players continue to perform well in their second season, while good players’ performances drop off. He falls into the category of someone who can become a great player. So I am hopeful that he will score runs again. But yes, teams will be better prepared for his strengths.”
Rajasthan Royals need Suryavanshi to repeat his explosive form. They had a disappointing last season and finished ninth in the table.
The franchise won its first Indian Premier League title in 2008 but has failed to clinch the trophy since then. They will start their campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s performance for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026
Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest player to make his debut in the auction before becoming the youngest player in the history of the tournament. Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹1.1 crore during the IPL 2025 auction.
Suryavanshi took advantage of the opportunity last year when Rajasthan Royals included him in the playing eleven amid Sanju Samson’s injury concerns. He scored 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.00 and an incredible strike rate of 206.55.
The opening batsman scored a record century in 35 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT). Notably, this was the fastest century scored by an Indian in the tournament. He also became the youngest batsman to score a century in the IPL.
During the recently concluded Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 439 runs in seven matches at an average of 62.71 and a strike rate of 169.43, including a blistering 175 off 80 balls against England Under-19.
