28 May,2026 12:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and AB de Villiers (Pics: X)
Former RCB star AB de Villiers was impressed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 15-year-old scored 97 runs off 29 balls to guide Rajasthan Royals to a convincing win against SRH.
Speaking after the match, Sooryavanshi admitted that he visualises match-ups before games, which helps him perform better. De Villiers compared Sooryavanshi's approach to legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden, known for his strong visualisation routines during his playing days.
"Hearing him talk about visualising match-ups, studying bowlers, and mentally preparing before games shows a level of maturity that is very rare at that age. It actually reminded me a little of Matthew Hayden, who used to spend time visualising on the pitch before batting. Over the course of his career, many of those routines will evolve, but the important thing is that Vaibhav is already building his own habits and processes instead of trying to copy others." De Villiers said.
Reacting to Sooryavanshi's blistering knock, de Villiers said what impressed him most was not just the shot-making but the maturity and calmness Sooryavanshi displayed in a high-pressure knockout game.
"What stood out most about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's innings was his composure and clarity under pressure at just 15 years of age. Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad kept trying different plans, constantly changing the field and mixing their lengths to disrupt his rhythm, but he stayed completely locked into his own bubble throughout the innings. That level of game awareness in a knockout match is remarkable for someone so young," de Villiers added.
Despite skipper Cummins opening with defensive fields and yorker-heavy tactics, the teenager countered every move with fearless strokeplay as RR raced to 125 in just eight overs. De Villiers highlighted how the youngster appeared ready for every tactical adjustment SRH attempted during the innings.
"Whether they bowled short or tried to surprise him with fuller deliveries, he seemed prepared for every plan and was in control against all of them. Scoring 97 off just 29 balls in an Eliminator, while dominating all parts of the ground, was an extraordinary display of fearless batting and showed why he is already being spoken about alongside some of the most explosive players the IPL has seen."
(With IANS inputs)
