Mumbai Indians (MI) bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has played down the massive hype surrounding teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of the IPL 2026 clash. The five-time IPL champions will take on Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, April 7.
Rajasthan will enter the competition after consecutive wins in its first two matches. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s record has been mixed with one win and one loss. In 31 head-to-head meetings in the IPL, Mumbai have emerged victorious on 16 occasions compared to Rajasthan’s 14 wins.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not new to the Indian Premier League – Paras Mhambrey
Paras Mhambrey said that Mumbai Indians will maintain their standard tactical preparation against Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The bowling coach emphasized that the youngster is no unknown player as he is already playing his second tournament.
“Vaibhav is not new. This is his second year. He has already played a year. The way he is performing, he is batting well. We know he is a good player, so our preparation will be right. We will prepare for him like we do for other players.”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a century in 35 balls against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 season. Kishore also played a match-winning inning of 175 runs in 80 balls to secure the U19 World Cup for India. However, the left-handed batsman will face a challenge against Jasprit Bumrah.
The Rajasthan Royals batsman had to struggle against the five-time champions last season. During their last match, Deepak Chahar had dismissed Suryavanshi for a duck in two balls.
Ravi Bishnoi is no longer a mystery spinner – Paras Mhambrey
Paras Mhambrey also debunked the mystery surrounding Rajasthan Royals leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi. The bowling coach said that Bishnoi has played long enough for opposition teams to understand his variations.
“I don’t look at Ravi as a mystery anymore. People have seen what he can do over the years. Every cricketer goes through phases. Sometimes a game is good, sometimes it’s not.”
Hardik Pandya fit to take charge of Mumbai Indians after clash with Delhi Capitals
Hardik Pandya will return to captain Mumbai Indians after missing the last match against Delhi Capitals due to illness. During that six-wicket defeat, Suryakumar Yadav took over the responsibility of acting captaincy. Paras Mhambrey confirmed that the all-rounder is fit to play.
“He will be available. He spent some good hours in the net session yesterday. So, he is fit and fine. Hardik was not injured. He was unwell. That is why he did not play the last game.”
Mumbai Indians started their campaign with a successful run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. Hardik Pandya scored unbeaten 18 runs in 11 balls and took one wicket. The home team achieved victory by achieving the mammoth target of 221 runs in 19.1 overs.
The five-time champions failed to maintain their winning streak in the next match against Delhi Capitals (DC). They faced defeat by six wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Also read: PBKS teammate calls Shreyas Iyer the future captain of Team India amid IPL 2026