IPL Pulse: Brazen youngsters and battered seniors

Good morning,

Maybe it's a good idea to pack an umbrella or a raincoat if you're heading out today. Before you go anywhere though, don't miss today's edition of Cricbuzz Pulse, your two-minute scan of the IPL universe.

Last night in five lines

1. There was rain and plenty of it again, but not quite enough to stop the Royals from rampaging to a 27-run win over MI in an 11-over contest.

2. Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi tore into the MI bowlers and smashed 59 in the 3.2-over Powerplay.

3. 278.57 and 240.62 - the staggering strike-rates of Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal respectively.

4. Mitch Santner was out with a niggle but Hardik Pandya returned to the side as MI made three changes. Doesn't seem like MI are too happy with the NZ allrounder's decision to opt out of this fixture.

5. There was news from Chennai and it wasn't good for CSK fans, MS Dhoni is likely to miss another game as he undergoes rehab for his calf injury.

Oh, that happened

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his and Jasprit Bumrah's first ball for six. Two balls later, another one disappeared over backward square leg. Talk about a lack of respect. "I was thinking, okay, maybe Vaibhav can take on Bumrah. Then I will try to pick someone else," said Jaiswal after the game, suggesting it was a planned outcome and no fluke. Sooryavanshi fell for 39 off just 14 balls but he didn't fail to leave a few more jaws on the floor. As stunning as the spectacle was though, it's no longer a novelty.

Pulse Awards

The terribly-consistent award goes to the rain for nearly ruining two matches in a row.

The championing-equality award goes to the Mumbai Indians for ensuring that all of their players got an opportunity to bat.

The might-as-well-check award goes to both Dhruv Jurel and Rohit Sharma for reviewing plumb LBW decisions.

The on-top-of-the-world award goes to the Rajasthan Royals for being on top of the points table and for owning both the Orange and Purple caps.

The why-are-you-running award goes to Trent Boult who was run-out trying to pinch a single after hitting it straight to the bowler.

Talking Point

The Royals have made it three from three and are looking like a very formidable unit. Their fearsome opening duo and equally fearsome fast-bowling duo have delivered while individuals like Dhruv Jurel have made important contributions. Ravi Bishnoi too sees a welcome return to form and has so far, proven to be the wicket-taker the Royals hoped he could be. They've played so well that they've not missed Sam Curran, a player who was supposed to bring vital balance to the team.

The Chatter

"He's working so hard as well. So I also get motivated," said Yashasvi Jaiswal on his opening partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Nothing like a youngster to keep you on your toes, even at 24.

"Good things take time, so have patience," said Hardik Pandya, not in a message to MI's fans but in a glitzy edit of teams' training sessions. Well, it's a mantra they'll have to live by anyway after another slow start.

Stat Snack

At 36%, the Mumbai Indians have the worst win percentage away from home since IPL 2023.

Gossip Column

The birdies tell us that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to take the field wearing earplugs hereafter. The officials are seemingly concerned about the rather alarming amount of expletives flying around a child's ears.

Today's watchlist

A side with an underperforming top-order takes on a side over-dependent on theirs. All eyes will be on KL Rahul, who's managed just one run from two games so far, as the Delhi Capitals host the Gujarat Titans tonight.

Reckless prediction for today

There will be batting collapses. Yes, plural.