On Tuesday, April 7, the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed 11-over-per-side clash at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Suryavanshi lit up the game with a sensational display of power hitting, starting with a six off Bumrah’s very first delivery. Three balls later, the Bihar youngster cleared the boundary again, finishing with 39 runs from just 14 balls.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India off-spinner praised the teenager’s fearless approach. “A 15-year-old facing the world’s No.1 bowler and hitting a six off the very first ball—this kid shows he plays the ball, not the bowler. Bumrah tried a slower ball, and he still sent it over mid-wicket. Despite his age, he is prepared and ready to rule the game,” Harbhajan said.
He added, “Does anyone play like this at 15? People usually start developing at this age, but he is already in the class of the big players. Mumbai had three solid bowlers, and all three were attacked from the start. That’s where Jaiswal and Suryavanshi broke MI’s confidence.”
Harbhajan also lauded Suryavanshi’s opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who top-scored with an unbeaten 77 off 32 balls, smashing 10 fours and four sixes to help the Royals post 150/3 in 11 overs. “Jaiswal was unbelievable, batting like a senior from start to finish. Our youngsters are taking responsibility, showing that hard work pays off. Coming from humble beginnings, he has maintained cricket as his priority despite having everything today,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals went on to secure a 27-run victory, restricting Mumbai Indians to 123/9. Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi each claimed two wickets for the inaugural champions.
