Team India’s young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi sent a strong message to the selection committee after his record-breaking innings against Sri Lanka A. After scoring 94 runs off just 29 balls in the tri-series final, the young batsman reminded everyone of his success in the 50-over format in a post-match interview.
India A dominated Sri Lanka A in the final of the triangular series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday, June 21. Vaibhav’s explosive innings helped the team score a huge score of 377/9. After this, the bowlers completed their work by bowling out Sri Lanka A for 311 runs and registering a spectacular victory by 66 runs.
I have played a lot of 50 over cricket – Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Most of the cricket fans associate Vaibhav Suryavanshi with his explosive IPL performances. However, the young batsman has a lot of experience in 50-over cricket. He has played 38 senior and youth ODI matches and is India’s highest run-scorer in Under-19 ODI cricket.
During the post-match interview, the presenter asked Vaibhav how he adapted to 50-over cricket after spending so much time in the T20 format. Vaibhav told that he already had extensive experience in ODI cricket.
“Learned a lot in this series, but I’ve played a lot of 50-over cricket. Not sure people know that.”
I didn’t think anything – Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vaibhav Suryavanshi missed his maiden List A century. The left-handed batsman scored 94 runs in 29 balls at a strike rate of 324.13, hitting 10 fours and eight sixes. He also made a explosive opening partnership of 132 runs with Priyansh Arya.
Speaking after the match, Vaibhav said that he kept his approach simple against Sri Lanka A. He revealed that discussions with the India A coaching staff helped him overcome the issues that were troubling him earlier in the tournament.
“I didn’t think anything through. Just wanted to execute what I had planned in the first ten overs and take it from there. No pressure. I wasn’t executing what I wanted earlier in the series. But after consulting the coaches, I got it right. The challenge was to adapt to different conditions; it was good to accept that.”
When runs were not coming… – Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Before the final of the triangular A series against Sri Lanka A, Vaibhav Suryavanshi had scored only 117 runs in four matches. India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar came forward to help him before the final.
Speaking to Sportstar, Vaibhav revealed that he had detailed discussions with Kanitkar during the tournament. Despite the poor scores, the coach encouraged him to trust his natural game and avoid overthinking.
“When the runs were not coming, I sat with Rishi sir to discuss some things and he gave me the freedom to play freely. That’s when he told me, ‘Play your natural game, don’t overthink’. That motivated me and I kept supporting myself and I am happy that things went well.”
This young player has already been included in India’s T20I team. He will join the senior team ahead of the two-match T20 series against Ireland starting on June 26. The team management may be tempted to give Suryavanshi an international debut.
