“Father in me doesn’t…”: Pathan calls out GT for short-pitch bowling ploy agai – Irfan Pathan Criticizes Gujarat Titans’ Tactics Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
A Clash of Tactics and Youth
The intensity of the Indian Premier League often leads to high-pressure moments, but the recent IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) sparked a debate that transcended the scoreboard. At the heart of the conversation is 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose fearless approach to the game has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan took to social media to express his strong disapproval of the bowling tactics employed by the Gujarat Titans pacers during the match. Pathan, speaking from both an analytical and paternal perspective, felt that the aggressive, short-pitched ‘bodyline’ bowling directed at the teenager was unnecessary and questionable.
The Controversy Behind the Crease
The incident gained traction after the young opener was struck on the helmet by a sharp delivery from Kagiso Rabada. The impact necessitated an immediate visit from the team physio to conduct concussion protocols, a sobering reminder of the physical risks faced by any batter on the professional stage. Following that delivery, Mohammed Siraj also utilized short-pitched bowling aimed at the body, a tactic that Pathan argued sat uncomfortably with him.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Pathan wrote: “Body line bowling to stop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 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.”
A Display of Resilience
Despite the intimidating tactics and the physical blow, Sooryavanshi displayed maturity well beyond his years. The young batter refused to be cowed by the aggressive bowling, standing his ground to compile a scintillating 96 runs off just 47 balls. His innings served as a testament to his technical prowess and mental fortitude, proving that he is more than capable of handling the rigors of elite cricket.
Match Context and Reflections
The broader context of the match saw the Rajasthan Royals post a competitive total of 214 runs. However, the Gujarat Titans successfully chased down the target, anchored by a superb century from captain Shubman Gill and another consistent half-century from Sai Sudharsan. With this seven-wicket victory secured with eight balls to spare, the Titans have punched their ticket to the finals to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Praise from Teammates
Beyond the controversy, Sooryavanshi’s performance has earned him immense respect from his peers. Riyan Parag, the 24-year-old Rajasthan Royals stalwart, was full of praise for the young opener. Reflecting on the impact Sooryavanshi has had on the team and the tournament, Parag highlighted the teenager’s intelligence.
“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 remarked at the post-match presentation. He added, “Hopefully, he continues to do that and plays for India and also keeps playing for RR and wins us the second title.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With 776 runs accumulated throughout the 2026 season, the left-handed opener from Bihar has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in modern cricket. While the debate regarding how to handle young talent in high-stakes environments will likely continue, one thing remains clear: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has arrived on the big stage. His ability to perform under pressure, even when targeted by the world’s fastest bowlers, suggests that the future of Indian cricket is in capable hands. Whether or not teams adjust their approach in the future, the cricketing world will be watching his progress with great anticipation.
