Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Impact Role in Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans Match

In the IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will play as an Impact Player despite not being in the starting XI. With an impressive run tally, he aims to make a significant contribution. Additionally, Riyan Parag is sidelined due to injury, leading to Jaiswal's debut as captain. The match outcome could impact the league standings, making it a crucial encounter for both teams.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 19:29 IST

Sooryavanshi's Role as Impact Player

In the recent match on May 9, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was notably missing from the Rajasthan Royals' (RR) starting lineup against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Although his name was absent from the initial playing XI, he is set to participate as an Impact Player. Sooryavanshi has previously taken on this role in several matches and will again contribute during a single innings. Teams can designate up to five Impact Players, who can be introduced at any moment during the match. It is likely that Sooryavanshi will be brought in after one of the RR bowlers has completed their four-over quota or at the beginning of the batting chase. With an impressive tally of 404 runs in just 10 innings, he leads the run-scoring for RR, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 237.64, which includes 37 sixes and 35 fours, along with a century and two half-centuries.

Rajasthan Royals Without Riyan Parag

Rajasthan Royals are also missing Riyan Parag for their match against the Gujarat Titans due to a hamstring injury sustained during the previous game against the Delhi Capitals. Parag exited the field during the second innings. In his absence, Jaiswal has stepped up to lead the team on a temporary basis, marking his debut as an IPL captain. At the toss, he stated, "We are going to bowl first. I think the wicket is pretty good and we want to chase it. Riyan pulled his hamstring last game, so I feel he'll be coming back soon. Shimron Hetmyer comes in and Yash Raj Punja comes in. That's the two guys who are coming in. I'm really excited, looking forward to the game." The outcome of the RR-GT match could determine the top position in the league, with RR currently holding 6 wins and 12 points, placing them fourth with a net run rate of +0.510, while GT has 12 points and a net run rate of -0.147. The leading team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has 14 points.