Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag made a significant statement regarding 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Parag strongly expressed that there should be no pressure on the young player and that he should be allowed to simply enjoy playing cricket. His comments come as part of a pre-season press conference, where he addressed the media's role in maintaining the young player's focus on the game instead of the off-field distractions that come with increased attention due to his inclusion in the team.

During the press conference, Parag made a special appeal to the media to refrain from subjecting Sooryavanshi to too many interviews and the spotlight that often comes with being a young cricketer. He underlined the importance of letting the child learn and grow through the sport, emphasizing that Sooryavanshi deserves the space to enjoy his game without undue stress. Riyan indicated that, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav is likely to open the innings in the upcoming season, highlighting his confidence in the young player's talent and potential.

Parag underscored his belief that if any pressure arises, Jaiswal would be able to handle it effectively, thus relieving Sooryavanshi of any overwhelming expectations. As part of his praise for Sooryavanshi, Parag acknowledged that the young cricketer has shown phenomenal performance in the past year, achieving impressive runs in various formats, which is a remarkable feat for someone of his age. Kumar Sangakkara, the team's head coach, also discussed the strategic aspects of the Rajasthan Royals, indicating a supportive and nurturing environment for their young talents like Sooryavanshi as they prepare for the competitive league.