Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s remarkable IPL season has caught the attention of some of the biggest names in Indian cricket, with Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma describing the teenager as a “special talent” and advising him to continue playing the fearless brand of cricket that has brought him success.
The 15-year-old enjoyed a stunning second season in the IPL, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 776 runs. His performances, including a pair of scores in the 90s during Rajasthan Royals’ playoff campaign, have fuelled calls for an India call-up.
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Speaking to PTI, Sharma said Sooryavanshi’s ability to dominate top-quality bowling at such a young age set him apart.
“Well, he is an exceptional talent undoubtedly. I mean, the way he has played in this IPL is remarkable. The way he has hit all the first-class, international and world-class bowlers, that is commendable and I must say that he is a special talent. I really find Vaibhav very good.
“The type of fearless cricket he plays and the way he has hit world-class bowlers is commendable. The way he has hit those sixes is just unbelievable, for T20 cricket, he is just brilliant,” Sharma said.
Asked what advice he would give the youngster, Sharma said there was little reason for Sooryavanshi to alter his approach at this stage of his career.
“Since he is playing T20, I would say don’t change anything. Just go and play like this, the way you are playing.
“You are playing tremendous cricket and the way you are hitting, keep on hitting the ball and entertaining the people. When it comes to playing Test cricket, I haven’t seen enough of him to judge how mature he is, how he can change his game, how he can leave the ball outside the off stump or how he can play swing bowling. But for now, I want him to continue the way he is playing.”
Sharma, however, urged caution when it came to comparisons with Kohli, who he has coached since childhood.
“I don’t believe in comparing people. What Virat has done in the last 18 years, I mean it’s a very long period that he has been so consistent.
“But looking at Vaibhav, he looks very good, a very talented guy and he has got good temperament also, which he showed in the last game. So, I mean he is a brilliant talent undoubtedly, but we have just seen him playing in this format only. We are yet to see him play in bigger formats, maybe Test cricket or One-Day cricket.”
Sharma said Kohli’s body of work over nearly two decades placed him in a different league, while stressing that Sooryavanshi remains a promising talent whose journey is only beginning.
“Virat is a different player (from Sooryavanshi). He is a legend now. He is a great player, which he has proved by winning so many matches. No Indian has won as many matches for India as Virat has, and that is why he is loved so much. Here we see a rising star (Sooryavanshi) and we really love to see him grow.”
The veteran coach also brushed aside concerns over the youngster’s fitness, saying physical development would come with time.
“No, fitness will come. He is still a baby and he has got superpower. That is the brilliant thing about him,” Sharma said.
Sooryavanshi’s rise has been one of the biggest stories of the IPL season, and Sharma believes the teenager’s fearless batting should remain unchanged as he continues his development in the shortest format.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
