Mullanpur: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has sparked a buzz on social media with his candid response to paparazzi ahead of the IPL 2026 Eliminator clash, leaving young teammate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi visibly surprised during a light-hearted airport moment.
The Royals are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the high-stakes Eliminator on Wednesday in Mullanpur, having sealed their playoff berth with a convincing win over Mumbai Indians in their final league match. However, it was an off-field interaction that grabbed headlines as the team travelled from Mumbai to Punjab.
Viral airport moment steals attention
As the Rajasthan Royals squad arrived at the airport, photographers gathered to capture visuals of the players, with particular attention on 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster has become a fan favourite this season, thanks to his fearless performances and natural stroke play.
In a video that quickly went viral, paparazzi requested skipper Riyan Parag to pose alongside Sooryavanshi. Responding to the call, Parag declined with a blunt yet composed remark, saying, “We aren’t film stars,” before continuing to walk ahead.
The comment caught Sooryavanshi off guard, with the teenager briefly showing a puzzled expression. Despite the moment, he continued posing for photographs, maintaining his cheerful demeanour.
Sooryavanshi’s rise draws spotlight
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s emergence has been one of the standout stories of IPL 2026. At just 15 years of age, the Bihar-based batter has displayed maturity beyond his years, taking on experienced bowlers with confidence.
His performances have not only contributed to Rajasthan Royals’ success but have also attracted significant media and fan attention. The increased spotlight has led to frequent interactions with paparazzi, a relatively new experience for the young cricketer.
Parag’s remark, while seemingly dismissive, can also be interpreted as an attempt to maintain focus within the squad as they prepare for a crucial knockout fixture.
Strong backing from captain Parag
Despite the viral moment, there is little doubt about the support Sooryavanshi enjoys within the Rajasthan Royals camp. Riyan Parag has consistently backed the youngster, especially following the departure of former head coach Rahul Dravid.
The captain has shown confidence in Sooryavanshi’s abilities, providing him with opportunities and encouragement throughout the season. This backing has played a key role in the teenager’s rapid development on the big stage.
Royals secure playoff berth in style
Rajasthan Royals booked their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a dominant 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians. Batting first, the team posted an imposing total of 205/8 in 20 overs.
Their bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Mumbai Indians to 175/9, ensuring a comprehensive win. The result not only confirmed Rajasthan’s qualification but also knocked Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders out of the playoff race.
Speaking after the match, Parag acknowledged the team’s success while highlighting areas for improvement.
“Obviously it’s good when things go to plan. We’ve won the game and qualified, but there are still areas we can improve. We wanted the set batter to play longer and one player to take initiative,” he said.
He also explained tactical decisions regarding the batting order, emphasising the need for balance and intent during crucial phases of the innings. Parag praised the finishing abilities of Ravindra Jadeja, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver quick runs at the back end.
Focus shifts to Eliminator clash
With the league stage behind them, Rajasthan Royals now shift their focus to the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match presents a do-or-die scenario, where the winner advances further in the tournament while the loser faces elimination.
Given their recent form and balanced squad, Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to carry momentum into the knockout stage. At the same time, managing external distractions, including media attention, will be crucial.
Conclusion
Riyan Parag’s “not film stars” remark may have been brief, but it has highlighted the growing intersection between sports and celebrity culture in modern cricket. While moments like these often go viral, teams remain focused on their primary objective — performance on the field.
As Rajasthan Royals gear up for a crucial Eliminator clash, the spotlight will once again shift from the airport to the pitch, where both Parag and Sooryavanshi will look to make a decisive impact.