Ishan Kishan advises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to focus on cricket, not social media
Senior Players Guide Young Talent
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has expressed strong support for teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting the 15-year-old’s potential to become a significant player for the national team. Kishan’s comments followed India’s 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Harare on a recent Saturday. This win secured the three-match series for India 2-0, with one game remaining.
During the match, India faced an early challenge, losing Abhishek Sharma, who scored 8 runs, and Sooryavanshi, who contributed 20 runs, within the initial three overs, placing the team at 29/2. Kishan then delivered a notable performance, scoring 81 runs off 44 balls, which helped guide India to a total of 219/5. Zimbabwe was subsequently bowled out for 129.
Kishan revealed that senior members of the squad are actively assisting Sooryavanshi in adapting to international cricket. They are also encouraging him to disregard external distractions that could affect his focus on the game. This collective effort aims to ensure the young player remains grounded and concentrates on his cricketing development.
Focus on Cricket, Not Distractions
Kishan described Sooryavanshi as a “very smart” player who understands his role on the field and how to conduct himself both during and outside of matches. He further explained that he, along with Abhishek Sharma, captain Axar Patel, and other experienced players, frequently communicate with the youngster. The goal of these discussions is to keep Sooryavanshi focused on his primary objective: cricket.
The advice given to Sooryavanshi by his teammates is consistent: to prioritise cricket over social media and other external influences. Kishan emphasised that representing India requires a clear understanding of what to concentrate on. The team’s intention is for Sooryavanshi to benefit from the experiences of senior players, thereby avoiding common pitfalls that can distract young cricketers early in their careers.
Kishan expressed the team’s desire to protect Sooryavanshi from “wrong reasons” for distraction, especially given his young age and talent. He highlighted the camaraderie within the team, describing them as “brothers.” Kishan also mentioned a personal connection, noting that Sooryavanshi hails from the same region as him, which adds to his sense of responsibility towards the young player.
The objective is to ensure Sooryavanshi enjoys his cricket, just as he is currently doing, and avoids repeating mistakes that senior players might have made at the beginning of their own careers. This approach underscores a supportive team environment where experienced players mentor emerging talent.
Impact of Attacking Style
Kishan believes that Sooryavanshi’s aggressive batting style could significantly influence India’s performance. He noted that if Sooryavanshi can maintain his presence at the crease, the difference he can make for the team would be substantial. A player capable of attacking from the first ball has the potential to contribute significantly to the team’s score, potentially reaching 80-90 runs during the powerplay overs.
This attacking mindset is seen as a valuable asset for the team. Kishan praised Sooryavanshi’s temperament, acknowledging that the teenager displays a maturity beyond his years in understanding his game. The collective effort of the senior players, including Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Axar Patel, is aimed at helping Sooryavanshi continue his impressive rise in international cricket while maintaining his focus on developing his skills.
The team’s strategy is to foster an environment where young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can thrive, learn from experienced colleagues, and concentrate on their cricketing journey without succumbing to external pressures. This guidance is seen as crucial for his long-term success in the sport.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
