Only fourteen. That should be the missing factor for everyone. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has talent, he has power, and, most importantly, he displays a fearless attitude. His caliber does not allow him to shy away from challenges-there is no other way to regard it. This simply says it all-a six off the first ball of Shardul Thakur in his IPL debut. Even after being bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he is still a young teen with loads of potential.
Of course, there is excitement regarding Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but it ought not to become hyperbole. The promise is indeed brilliant, but one can be realistic in expecting too much. At just 14, his game is very much under construction. There were pitfalls in his game against Rajasthan Royals that expose clear areas of work to be done-it should involve short balls too. Besides, his footwork was rather often too off-balance.
Yet, one cannot say that criticism serves any purpose. RR must not be blamed for backing him either. Vaibhav requires this kind of exposure. The IPL is the best experience available. Today, he understands what it takes to make it at this level. He has a long way to go, and this is just the beginning. He and his coaches have learned many things with regard to what works for him and what does not.
The game from Royal Challengers Bangalore highlighted his current limitations. The bounce seemed too much for him, and he looked uneasy. He was troubled by the short balls that Bhuvneshwar, who isn't known for them, offered. His decision-making at the crease wasn't ideal either.
Vaibhav appeared pretty convinced to go for big hits on every delivery. His shot selection certainly did not seem to have anything to do with the ball’s line or length. Of the 12 balls he faced, six flew awkwardly off the bat. Neither of the sixes he hit off Bhuvneshwar was clean-one had decent timing, the other a top edge.
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Next came the decision on the twelfth delivery from Bhuvneshwar, which was a curving full delivery going straight down the pitch. Vaibhav had again stepped away, tried to slog, and missed the ball, which crashed into the stumps. This was without having faced the best bowler for RCB, Josh Hazlewood.
In spite of all this, he doesn't deserve the criticism, and it certainly isn't necessary. For him, this is part of the learning curve. IPL is a crash course in elite cricket. Vaibhav is still a work in progress, learning and absorbing the pressures that come with top-class sport. He deserves time and patience, if not applause; certainly not pressure. He is only 14, after all.
