Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: The much-hyped clash between Mitchell Starc and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned into an anti-climax as Kyle Jamieson stole the early limelight in the IPL 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Friday.With anticipation building around Starc’s first appearance of the season and his duel against the in-form youngster, fans were left disappointed as the contest never really materialised. Sooryavanshi was dropped by Jamieson in the very second round – before he even had time to take on Starc.
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Shikhar Dhawan on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, life after retirement and moreRR captain Riyan Parag elected to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision quickly backfired as the DC attack struck the first blows.Early drama but no marquee clashStarc opened the bowling for DC and was immediately tested by Yashasvi Jaiswal who smashed the very first delivery for a six. However, the experienced Australian had the last laugh.In the same over, Starc bowled a full toss to mid-on which caught Jaiswal by surprise. The batsman, while trying to swing over the line, mistimed it and blew the ball back to the bowler. Starc completed a simple catch-and-bowled to claim his first wicket of the season, sending Jaiswal back for 6 off 3 balls.At the other end, Sooryavanshi got off to a flying start, stroking a confident boundary off his very first ball against Jamieson. But the promise was short-lived. On the very next delivery, a low full pitch crept under his bat and bounced off the pad of the stumps as he departed for 4 balls from the 2nd over.Jamieson stages the return of the Old ManWhile Starc’s return dominated the pre-match narrative, it was Jamieson who gave DC early control. By eliminating Sooryavanshi before the marquee clash could unfold, the New Zealander effectively closed the door on what was seen as the competition’s biggest subplot.With both the aggressive RR openers back in the hut inside two overs, DC’s revamped bowling attack had an immediate impact. Starc’s comeback added intensity, but it was Jamieson’s timely strike that defined the early momentum.
