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Stand-in India coach VVS Laxman believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already displaying the maturity required to succeed at the highest level after helping India complete a comprehensive 3-0 T20 International series sweep over Zimbabwe.
The 15-year-old produced another dazzling display on Sunday, smashing 81 off 49 deliveries to power India to 192/5 before Zimbabwe were restricted to 157/7 in reply.
It was Sooryavanshi’s second half-century in just four days and another reminder of why he is regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents.
While the youngster is naturally an aggressive stroke-maker, Laxman was particularly impressed by the way he adapted his game to the conditions.
“Very mature. And that’s what I really appreciate about Vaibhav,” Laxman said after the victory.
On a sluggish surface that demanded patience as much as power, Sooryavanshi mixed calculated aggression with sensible shot selection, striking eight boundaries and four sixes during a composed innings that laid the platform for India’s victory.
Laxman believes the teenager’s rapid development is being driven by his willingness to learn from every outing.
“With each and every experience, each and every match, he understands, he assesses and he gets better,” the former India batter said.
“I think he does a lot of reviews of each and every practice session, not only matches.”
Sooryavanshi first burst onto the scene with a string of fearless performances for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League before earning a historic international call-up.
Earlier this month, he became the youngest player ever to represent India, although his introduction to international cricket proved challenging.
The teenage opener managed just 42 runs in three innings during India’s difficult tour of England, where they suffered a 4-0 series defeat after previously losing 2-0 in Ireland.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to dent his confidence, Sooryavanshi responded impressively in Zimbabwe, playing a leading role as India comfortably outclassed opponents ranked 10 places below them in the ICC rankings.
Laxman admitted he was not surprised by the youngster’s response, revealing that Sooryavanshi’s mindset continues to impress the coaching staff.
“I’m not surprised by the way this series has gone,” Laxman said.
The coach also revealed that the teenager was disappointed after missing out on what would have been a maiden international century.
“He was disappointed not to get a hundred, but we told him it’s not going to be the first or the last opportunity he’ll get.
“He’s got a long career ahead, and he has the attitude and mindset to improve every day.”
For India, the Zimbabwe series provided an opportunity to test emerging talent, and Sooryavanshi certainly grabbed that chance with both hands.
Although tougher assignments undoubtedly lie ahead, the youngster’s ability to bounce back from early struggles suggests India may have uncovered another special batting talent capable of becoming a fixture in their white-ball future.
Source: www.iol.co.za
