Vaibhav Sooryavanshi missed out on the fastest hundred in IPL history by the narrowest of margins, but the Rajasthan Royals teenager made it clear that personal milestones are not his priority at the moment. After producing a breathtaking 97 off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday, the 15-year-old said his focus remains firmly on helping Rajasthan Royals win their second IPL title.
“(Was he aware of the fact that he could have broken the record for the fastest IPL century) No, I only got to know after I got out. But I was focused on trying to contribute for the team. I’ll get more hundreds, but right now the focus is on winning the trophy for the team,” Vaibhav Sooryavanshi told broadcasters after Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in Mullanpur.
The youngest IPL centurion came within one hit of surpassing Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest century in the tournament before getting caught at third man off Praful Hinge in the eighth over. Despite falling short of the landmark, Sooryavanshi left the Sunrisers attack without answers during a stunning assault that included 12 sixes.
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Pat Cummins rotated his bowlers, changed fields constantly and repeatedly held discussions with his teammates, but the teenager continued to attack with complete freedom on a batting-friendly pitch.
“(What does he visualise when he shadow bats at the pitch before the start of the game?) I only think who will be the bowlers bowling to me, where can I hit them. I know my intent is good, the bowler will be under pressure. So I try to play my game and continue to dominate,” Vaibhav said.
The left-hander raced to his fifty in just 16 deliveries, with eight of those balls disappearing over the ropes. During the innings, he also broke Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, taking his tally to 65.
Anything full was launched straight back over the bowler’s head, short balls were sliced over third man and deliveries on the pads were flicked effortlessly into the stands. The ease with which Sooryavanshi dominated an experienced bowling attack once again underlined why he has emerged as the breakout star of the season.
“(Will he celebrate?) We have won. We would move onto the next match with the same positive intent. (Does he reflect on his performances or just moves onto the next?) I think a bit, not much. I try to play the game and not overthink. If there is something to work on, I do,” he said.
The teenager also said he prefers to keep his preparation simple rather than worrying too much about opposition strategies.
“(Does he think of what plans is the opposition coming with on a given day?) I work on anything if I feel there is a problem. I don’t think about the opposition’s plans. It’s their work. I try to play my game,” Vaibhav added.
Rajasthan Royals posted 243 for eight despite slowing down in the final five overs. Dhruv Jurel added a rapid 50 off 21 balls, while Yashasvi Jaiswal played second fiddle during the opening partnership with a run-a-ball 29.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were expected to challenge the target with their explosive batting line-up, but Jofra Archer effectively ended the contest in the powerplay. The England fast bowler removed Abhishek Sharma with a sharp short ball before dismissing Ishan Kishan and Travis Head as Sunrisers slipped to 57 for four inside five overs.
Sunrisers were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, sending Rajasthan Royals into Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans on Friday.
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