After Sachin Tendulkar, IPL prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi compared to Brian Lara

At 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has scored a hundred in the toughest T20 competition in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL). The first ball he played went sailing over the boundary. The bowler was Shardul Thakur, someone who was playing a Test match in England last month.

The cricket world hasn’t seen a young prodigy like him since Sachin Tendulkar. Some former cricketers are already projecting that Suryavanshi will make his debut in the next 2 years, as he’s already represented Bihar in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Similarity in Suryavanshi and Lara

At this point, the sky is the limit for him. Former Indian batter, Ambati Rayudu, has given a few pointers to those who’ll be in charge of the teenager. First, he started by comparing Suryavanshi with Brian Lara. He thinks both southpaws have similar bat lifts, and perhaps the youngster can have a chat with the legend about his batting.

“His bat speed is extraordinary. Jo uska whip aata hai (His bat whip) … I hope nobody changes that. He should get better. Someone like Lara… maybe go and talk to him. He also had a similar type of bat lift. So, he can learn about how to control the bat speed when you are defending and when you are playing with a soft hand. So, if he learns that, then he will be an extraordinary talent,” Rayudu said on Shubhankar Mishra’s Unplugged podcast.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi starts personalised training for U19 Australia tour in Bengaluru

Lucky to have Dravid by his side

The biggest piece of advice Rayudu gave wasn’t to Suryavanshi but to those who’ll coach him. Things should be kept simple. Rayudu thinks having Rahul Dravid by his side at the Rajasthan Royals will be great for Suryavanshi and his career, as the Indian legend will guide the youngster, as he has experience working with Under-19 cricketers.

“He only has to focus on one thing; that is, he should not listen to many people. Don’t listen to people; just back your talent. And for coaches also, it is important that usko jyada gyaan mat do (don’t overburden him with teachings). Leave him.”

“He’s an extraordinary talent. Agar sambhal ke usko sahi guide karenge (If he’s guided correctly) … He is lucky that Rahul (Dravid) Bhai is with him. He will take care of him.”

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