BCCI asked to ‘fast track’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after heroics against CSK: ‘He is ready to graduate to…’

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has lauded 15 year old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the Southpaw scored a 15 ball half century during the clash against Chennai Super Kings on Monday. Kaif admitted that until last year he feared that Suryavanshi was getting ‘hyped way too early’ but has now argued that Sooryavanshi is ready to ‘graduate to the next level’.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kaif wrote, “Last season I thought Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was getting hyped way too early. An old-school cricketer, I believe there should be no haste in fast-tracking young players. But a year later, I think he is ready to graduate to the next level. The 15 year boy can entertain and play match-winning knocks.”

CSK could not get going from that point onward as the franchise lost four wickets inside the first 6 overs and ultimately only posted a total of 127 on the board.

In reply, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a blazing start to the Royals, ensuring that their team could only win from that point. Sooryavanshi set the stage for the RR as he struck his half century inside the powerplay.

Sooryavanshi on his heroics:

Speaking after the match to broadcasters, Sooryavanshi said, "The plan today was simply to execute well in the powerplay. Initially, the wicket felt a bit sticky, but as the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat nicely,"

"I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial. If the bowling team does well there, the game can tilt their way, but our powerplay went really well," he added

Sooryvanshi also noted that RR coaches Kumar Sangakkara and Vikram Rathore told him that he should stick to his natural game and play according to the situation.