Ravi Shastri praises Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old batting prodigy, can be pushed straight into the senior national team if he keeps performing well, says former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Suryavanshi overwhelmed England U19s by hammering a record-breaking 143 off 78 balls recently as India compiled a staggering 363 for 9. There were 13 fours and 10 huge sixes in his knock, which included a record century off just 52 balls – the quickest in Youth ODIs.

Suryavanshi’s breakthrough came in the IPL last season when he hit the quickest century in the competition’s history, a 35-ball rampage for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. The left-hander has already made his mark early on, joining the list of youngest to hit a Youth ODI century at 14 years and 100 days. Bihar Cricket Association boss Rakesh Tiwari welcomed Suryavanshi’s success, saying, “Vaibhav has given a lot of pride to Bihar and to the country. His commitment and mental toughness at this young age are remarkable.”

Shastri, in commentary on the current Test between India and England at Edgbaston, pointed out that Suryavanshi’s ability and experience could propel his career. “It will put him on the fast track if he goes and plays First-Class cricket, goes and scores a couple of hundreds in his first couple of seasons,” Shastri explained. With India U19 already ahead in the five-match series by 2-1, Suryavanshi’s finer performances are putting them strongly in the driver’s seat. The teenage sensation is not only mounting a compelling argument for being included in the top-level domestic league earlier but also has the support of one of Indian cricket’s most powerful voices.