A lightweight-hearted social media alternate added a dose of humour to an already thrilling IPL 2026 conflict, as Ravichandran Ashwin playfully mocked Cheteshwar Pujara for his response to Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive innings through the Rajasthan Royals’ face-off towards Mumbai Indians. The second, which shortly went viral, got here amid widespread reward for the younger batter’s fearless strategy.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s playful jab at Cheteshwar Pujara steals the highlight
The banter unfolded after former India spinner Harbhajan Singh applauded Vaibhav from the commentary field with a salute, acknowledging the teenager’s fearless strokeplay. Sitting beside him, Pujara appeared to smile however avoided becoming a member of within the gesture, a second that didn’t go unnoticed.
Ashwin, identified for his witty presence on social media, reacted to a clip shared on-line and took a cheeky dig at his former teammate. In a humorous publish, he joked that whereas he too saluted the knock, his “pricey pal Pujara didn’t salute correctly,” including laughing emojis to underline the playful tone. The remark shortly gained traction amongst followers, who loved the camaraderie between the seasoned Indian cricketers.
“Mera bhi salute, however my pricey pal Pujara didn’t salute correctly,” Ashwin wrote on X.
Mera bhi 🫡 however, my pricey pal Pujara dint salute correctly😂😂😂 https://t.co/DGkP00hTvT pic.twitter.com/5bmAujnVJM
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 8, 2026
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2026 – Tilak Varma’s spectacular catch on the boundary line removes Vaibhav Suryavanshi throughout RR vs MI conflict
Jaiswal–Suryavanshi duo dismantle Mumbai Indians
Whereas the off-field banter grabbed consideration, the true fireworks got here on the pitch. Rajasthan Royals’ opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav delivered a blistering begin within the rain-shortened 11-over contest. The duo stitched collectively an 80-run partnership in simply 5 overs, leaving the Mumbai Indians bowlers trying to find solutions.
Jaiswal set the tone early, smashing 22 runs within the opening over towards Deepak Chahar. The aggressive intent continued as they took on premier pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. Rajasthan raced to their half-century in a mere 2.4 overs, equalling their franchise report for the quickest fifty in IPL historical past and marking one of many quickest group fifties ever recorded within the league.
Vaibhav’s innings got here to an finish after a wide ranging 39 off simply 14 balls, finally dismissed by Shardul Thakur. Regardless of his early departure, the harm had already been achieved. Jaiswal carried ahead the momentum with exceptional composure, remaining unbeaten on 77 from 32 deliveries. His calculated aggression ensured Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 150/3 of their allotted overs.
Chasing a difficult goal, the Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, struggled to maintain tempo with the required run fee. Regardless of a combating effort, they may solely handle 123 runs, falling nicely wanting the goal. The defeat marked their second consecutive loss within the ongoing IPL 2026 season, elevating early issues about consistency and execution.
Additionally WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi welcomes Jasprit Bumrah with a surprising six throughout RR vs MI conflict at IPL 2026
