Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 future in doubt? Massive headache for Rajasthan Royals after latest controversy

By Samira Vishwas On May 6, 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have found themselves in hot water after an activist has threatened to lodge an FIR against the franchise. One of the activists has alleged that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing in the league is equal to ‘Child Labour’

As per the allegation made by Shivakumar Nayak, the player has been ‘exploited’ at the age of 15 to play IPL. Nayak also said that Vaibhav should focus more on his studies and school, rather than playing cricket. The gentleman also said that the young batting sensation is setting a bad example for other children of his age.

Social activist CM Shivakumar Nayak has threatened to lodge an FIR against the Rajasthan Royals.
– Reason: Teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s participation in the IPL as ‘child labour’. pic.twitter.com/hwr7ktUWLD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 6, 2026

In a threat to the former IPL champions, Shivakumar also said that he will lodge an FIR or a legal case against the team management. He urged the Royals to stop the player from being part of the IPL and focus more on his studies, calling it a violation of labour laws and child rights.

Ian Bishop backs potential India call-up for batting prodigy

After his amazing showing with the bat in the last few months, calls have risen to give Sooryavanshi a call-up to the national side. Team India is set to tour Ireland and England to play a few white-ball games in June and July, followed by a short tour of Sri Lanka.

Former West Indian bowler Ian Bishop, while speaking about the young sensation’s potential India call-up for the Ireland tour, told ESPN Cricinfo, “I would pick three openers in the squad to keep the left and right-hand combination going. For me, the left-handed batter is Vaibhav, as he is ready for the next step.”

What is Sooryavanshi’s record in IPL 2026?

After making his IPL debut in 2025, where the young batter had scored 252 runs from seven games, the 2026 season has been his breakout campaign. RR‘s opening batter has scored 404 runs so far this season with one ton and two fifties with an average of 40 and a strike-rate of 237.

Young sensation scored a 36-ball century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which is his second in the league. The century against SRH is also the third fastest in the history of the league and the second quickest by an Indian batter.