WATCH | RR Coach on 14-Year-Old Suryavanshi’s IPL Ton: ‘We Knew What He Could Do’
Not since Sachin Tendulkar smashed Abdul Qadir for four sixes in an over during an exhibition match against Pakistan back in 1989 has a teenage batter generated as much excitement as Vaibhav Suryavanshi did on a manic Monday night at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
There may never be another Tendulkar, and one innings does not make a great batter — even if that innings happens to be an astonishing 38-ball 101, the fastest century by the youngest-ever batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), at the age of just 14. But Suryavanshi appears to be a special talent. He must be nurtured with care.
He is too good for his age — even for someone much older. He generates immense power, has a commendable bat swing, and possesses a knack for getting into the right position quickly to play his shots. He also dares to take on the best bowlers.
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Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour said that what the world witnessed during the team’s eight-wicket win against Gujarat Titans was something the coaching staff had been seeing in the nets for the past few months.
“We knew what he was capable of and the range of shots he could play,” he said. “But to do it in front of a crowd like this, in such a high-pressure situation, and against a top-quality bowling attack — it was really special.”
Rathour recalled that everyone had been impressed when Suryavanshi came in for a trial four months earlier. “All of us knew we had found something special,” he said. “Our job was to nurture him and help him reach this level. A lot of credit goes to him — he held his nerve.”
He added that the youngster had a good head on his shoulders. “He showed great temperament and composure,” he said. “Even in his first couple of games, he gave us glimpses of his ability.”
