Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s elegance and calmness have astounded Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who claims he has never seen a “kid” like him in the dressing room.
As a teammate for the Rajasthan Royals, Shanaka is witnessing Sooryavanshi’s quick ascent up close. With his unique six-hitting skill, the 15-year-old has the cricket world in awe.
The Bihar left-hander hit 93 off 38 against the Lucknow Super Giants in the previous game, but he was dismissed for four against the Mumbai Indians.
When asked how Sooryavanshi handles the highs and lows of the game, Shanaka remarked that his composed demeanor is noteworthy.
“He is very professional. It’s not about failing or getting runs, but what he does at the practice and how he behaves in the dressing room. How cool he is. I haven’t seen a kid like him behaving like that in the dressing room like that,” PTI quoted Shanaka as saying ahead of the IPL Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur on Wednesday.
“Even the seniors will (rookies) put them under a lot of pressure, but this guy is very cool. I really love the way he is coping with things, whether he fails or he gets runs. He is a very natural kid. I see a lot of potential in him. Lot of good things,” added the seasoned Sri Lankan all-rounder.
In Riyan Parag’s first season as full-time captain, the Royals advanced to the playoffs. Parag has received a lot of criticism for his leadership style and batting, but he has accepted it in order to help the team achieve its goals.
“He is a very good captain. He sticks to his decisions. That’s what is important. Many people criticise, but I see him as a great leader in the making.
“He can be a really good leader for Rajasthan and for the Indian cricket as well. I have discussed a lot of things with him (leadership). Actually, as a player, I am also a guy who likes to learn from different people. I am also learning from him. Obviously, I am passing messages to him as well, which is really important,” he said.
Despite their injuries, Parag and Ravindra Jadeja should be able to play in the knockout match, according to Shanaka.
“They had some niggles, but they will be fine, hopefully they will be fine,” said Shanaka.
On the pressure of a knockout game, he added: “It’s good to play a few games and make it to the final. After the Mumbai game, we gained a lot of confidence in the dressing room. So, two more games until the final. Hopefully, we will win that and get there.”
