New Delhi: India’s young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has revealed how a timely discussion with his coach helped him overcome a difficult phase and bounce back from a devastating performance in the final of the Tri-Series against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla.The 15-year-old smashed 94 off just 29 balls, including his List A 100 in the history of 11 matches, as India A defeated Sri Lanka A by 66 runs to claim the title.But the knock came after his best performance in the tournament and a lot of scrutiny for his form and temper following India A’s on-field clash with Sri Lanka A.“When the run didn’t come, I sat down with Hrishi [Hrishikesh Kanitkar] sir to discuss a few things and he gave me freedom to play freely,” Sooryavanshi told Sportstar after the finish.“These things were a little different, so they threw some problems at first. So, I was trying hard, but I couldn’t achieve the goals. That’s when he told me, ‘tu apna natural game khel, zyada soch mat’ (you play your natural game and don’t think too much about anything else). This encouraged me and I continued to enjoy the things I did well, “I continued to say that the young man “said.
‘There was no pressure on me’
Heading into the conference clash, Sooryavanshi had managed just 117 runs in four innings and struggled to make a difference in Sri Lanka’s limited starting position.However, the left-hander insisted that pressure never crossed his mind despite the opposition.“There was no pressure on me,” said Sooryavanshi. “When I came out to bat, the idea was to achieve what I had planned in the first ten hours and move on.His amazing batting ended the match within the first ten overs. India A raced to 132 in just nine overs before posting 377/9. Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs.
Sri Lanka captain praises Sooryavanshi
Sri Lanka is the captain Sahan Arachchiga admitted that Sooryavanshi’s blitz put his side on the back foot immediately.“Sooryavanshi bowled very well. We had a good run of the innings there but we let it run in the last two overs,” said Arachchige.“When we are chasing big goals, the top order can be cheap. It happens. The young guys have played well, the seniors have got it too. It has been a good competition,” he added.With the India T20 looming later this month, Sooryavanshi’s latest feat serves as yet another reminder that even in tough times, relying on his natural instincts remains his greatest strength.
