The spotlight has landed on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old, ahead of a vital league match for Rajasthan Royals that could see them reach the playoffs. The young southpaw is currently fourth in the run-charts this season. At different stages, he has even donned the orange cap. Sooryavanshi’s performances have led to claims for his elevation to the national team.
He has already earned a place in the India A side for the triseries in Sri Lanka in June.
Penney’s Perspective on Sooryavanshi’s Potential
Trevor Penney, the assistant coach of the Royals, is taking a measured approach to the question of how quickly Sooryavanshi should be escalated. “I’ve never seen a 15-year-old bat like that,” Penney admitted. “Even if he was 25, I think we’d be talking about him. I think age hasn’t come into it. He goes from ball one and he’s got all the shots.”
Penney noted Sooryavanshi’s adaptability. “He’s definitely adapting to how bowlers think they can bowl with him. Suddenly once he works that out, then they have to come back to his strength and then he dominates again.”
Regarding international selection, Penney said: “everybody thinks he’s good enough. Look at the under-19 50-over World Cup, he got 175. So he plays all formats.” Penney added: “But the way he plays… there have been attacking batsmen in Test cricket before as well. Sehwag, for instance, he just took it down from ball one as well. So I think that’s the trick. If you want to get him in as a 15-year-old, or you just give him a few more seasons of playing like this and maturing a little bit, off the field, especially, before you throw him in.”
Sooryavanshi’s Impact Against Mumbai Indians
Sooryavanshi previously played a blistering innings against Mumbai Indians, cracking a 14-ball 39. This included two sixes against Jasprit Bumrah in a rain-shortened match. He is arguably the best batter of the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals’ Playoff Push
Sooryavanshi will be important to Rajasthan Royals’ chances in their match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. A victory would guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. It has been a tightly-contested season, with four teams vying for one playoff spot as the league stage nears its conclusion.
Penney acknowledges the challenge, considering that Mumbai Indians have little to lose. He observed that Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings have felt the effects of facing Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both of whom are out of contention.
Penney believes that Mumbai Indians will be motivated to finish their campaign strongly. “Mumbai, obviously, a World XI. They’ve got such a good team as well. So you can never count them out. And as you say, they’ve got nothing to lose. So they could come out playing like millionaires, which most of them are already. So it’s just exciting. It’s nice to be in this position where we’re”