Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is keeping things simple, even as the spotlight around him continues to grow. The 15-year-old, who has taken on some of the best fast bowlers in the world in recent games, says his approach does not change: watch the ball, not the bowler.
That clarity has been evident in back-to-back performances. The other day, it was Jasprit Bumrah. On Friday night, it was Josh Hazlewood. Different conditions, different challenges, same outcome. Bowlers with years of international experience were left searching for answers against a teenager who did not seem overawed by reputation.
Sooryavanshi’s 78 off just 26 balls powered Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable chase of 201 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the target sealed with two overs to spare. It was not just the pace of the innings but the control he showed throughout that stood out.
“I try to execute what I practice and back my natural game. Yes, at the back of your mind, you know who the bowler (Bumrah or Hazlewood) is but you play the ball not the bowler,” Sooryavanshi said.
It may sound straightforward, but against bowlers who thrive on creating doubt, it is far from easy to execute.
Hazlewood tried the usual methods to contain an attacking batter. He went into the body, looked to reduce room, and forced Sooryavanshi to adjust. One such delivery climbed into him and cramped him for space. It was the kind of ball that often results in a dot or a mistimed shot. Instead, Sooryavanshi managed to free his hands and chopped it away for four.
What followed shifted the momentum completely. The next ball was lifted cleanly over mid-on, and then came a pick-up shot from outside off that sailed into the square-leg stands. The shots came quickly, but there was no sense of panic. Each stroke was controlled, with early reading of length and quick decision-making.
This has not been a one-off. Earlier in the season, Bumrah, regarded as one of the most complete T20 bowlers, had also been taken on with similar confidence. Where most batters show caution, Sooryavanshi has looked to counter. Of his 78 runs, 74 came in boundaries, eight fours and seven sixes, and he needed just 15 balls to get there. It was not just power hitting, but clean striking and precise timing.
Even as attention around him grows, Sooryavanshi insists on staying grounded. He credits his father Sanjiv and Rajasthan Royals support staff member Romi Bhinder for keeping him focused.
“They always tell me that it is a long journey and my focus should only and only be on the game,” he said.
Despite the match-winning contribution, he admitted he was not fully satisfied after getting out on 78.
“My thinking is that had I been around, I could have scored 20 more runs which would be beneficial for the team,” Sooryavanshi said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
That mindset reflects in how he is approaching his career so far. While there is often talk of young players facing a dip in their second season once opposition teams study them more closely, Sooryavanshi has continued to build on his strong debut year.
His first season as a 14-year-old had already marked him out as a player to watch. This season, he looks more assured, adding consistency to his natural game.
In a format where a strike rate of 200 is considered elite, Sooryavanshi is pushing the tempo significantly higher. The method, however, remains unchanged.
For now, whether it is Bumrah or Hazlewood, the approach stays the same. Watch the ball, play on merit, and let the rest follow.
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