Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has conceded that Rajasthan Royals’ corporate structure creates an impenetrable financial barrier around teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Goenka explained how billionaire Lakshmi Mittal’s 75 percent controlling stake effectively insulates the 15-year-old from future bidding wars. The franchise secured the top-order batter for ₹1.1 crore two years ago in Jeddah, a transaction that now represents immense retained value.
Mittal Stake Restricts Talent Movement
This corporate leverage limits traditional roster churn, reinforcing how a robust commercial shield is protecting prime assets from external market pressures. The left-hander finished the 2026 Indian Premier League season as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.50.
This rapid athletic development, marked by five half-centuries and a highest score of 103, leaves rival franchises lamenting their missed opportunities during the initial bidding phase. Goenka’s reflections mirror a broader administrative shift across the league, recalling what Rishabh Pant’s exit reveals about long-term asset security.
As quoted by Cricket Addictor, Goenka acknowledged the collective frustration across rival boardrooms.
“Every team owner will regret that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not in their team. And now Lakshmi Mittal owns Rajasthan Royals. They will never let Vaibhav go anywhere else in life at any cost.”
The 15-year-old remains in the national setup ahead of Tuesday’s second T20 international against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
