Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer has offered high praise for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, going so far as to bring Don Bradman into the conversation after the teenager’s match-winning innings in Jaipur.
The innings
Rajasthan Royals were chasing 221 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on May 19. Sooryavanshi, aged 15, smashed 93 off 38 balls against a quality attack, and the win kept Rajasthan’s playoff hopes alive.
Langer said that anyone scoring 90-plus off roughly 36 to 38 balls changes the game, and that Sooryavanshi was the difference. He added that a couple of his young bowlers had played and would learn from the experience.
Langer’s verdict
The former Australia opener called the batting breathtaking and pointed to the reactions of bowlers such as Mitchell Starc and Anrich Nortje, who he said looked bewildered, as proof of the impact the youngster is having this season.
Langer also backed Sooryavanshi to succeed in all conditions, including in Australia and England, citing his adaptability and rapid development through the youth system. Referring to the question of whether Bradman would have adapted to the modern game, he said great players always adjust and that Sooryavanshi is one of those rare talents.
Orange Cap and what is next
Sooryavanshi holds the Orange Cap with 579 runs at a strike rate of 236.32. Rajasthan’s qualification now depends on their final league match against Mumbai Indians on May 24.
