The prodigy, who became the youngest player to hit an IPL hundred last year, is now poised for his first playoff match as Rajasthan Royals take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator in Mullanpur on Wednesday.
“He (Vaibhav) is extremely professional. It’s not just about scoring runs or failing. It’s about his practice routine, his demeanor in the dressing room, and how composed he is. I haven’t seen anyone his age conduct themselves in the dressing room like him. Even with the pressure that seniors face, this guy remains calm. I admire how he handles different situations, regardless of scoring or not. I see tremendous potential in him, and I wish him all the best for the future,” remarked Shanaka while speaking to the media ahead of the Eliminator in Mullanpur.
Suryavanshi played a vital role earlier this season with a stunning 38-ball 93 against Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his explosive talent throughout the tournament, despite a recent low score in a must-win match against the Mumbai Indians. Nevertheless, Rajasthan secured the victory to clinch a playoff spot.
“Most often, our top order has delivered for us. It’s about managing various situations and playing according to the surface. Sometimes, patience is necessary. We feel pressure when the top order’s strike rate is exceptionally high. Middle order batsmen need time to settle in. Having played a lot of cricket, I believe it’s crucial to allow ourselves that time. Navigating tough situations is key to success,” shared Shanaka.
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka commended the teenager’s poise and rapid ascent, emphasizing his considerable potential and maturity in just his sophomore IPL season.
“This is a great challenge with no pressure. We need to bring our best game into the knockout matches. Hopefully, we have several trump cards in hand. We should avoid the mistakes made in the tournament’s initial phase. Everyone is in good mental shape, eager to deliver. We’re looking forward to the game,” added Shanaka.
