Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to play his second IPL season with Rajasthan Royals after an impressive debut campaign. The youngster now carries higher expectations and aims to make a bigger impact, especially during the powerplay.

Last season, the 15-year-old played seven matches and scored 252 runs. His performances included a stunning 35-ball century and a strike rate above 200. These efforts made him one of the most exciting young players in Indian cricket.

Focus on Converting Starts into Big Scores

Sooryavanshi now wants to improve his approach. He plans to turn good starts into big innings and stay longer at the crease.

“When I was picked, my only goal was to give the team a good start. I wanted to play my game in the Powerplay, and if I got a good start, I wanted to continue and play long without giving my wicket away," Sooryavanshi said.

He believes that building strong innings can put pressure on the opposition.

“I knew that if I played my shots, the scenario of the game would change, because chasing 200-plus runs would not be easy for any team. This season, the goal is to win the trophy for the team. My performances and the team’s performances will automatically get highlighted if we win the trophy, and that is the most important thing," he added.

Inspired by Legends

Sooryavanshi spoke about the players who shaped his mindset. He named Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh as his biggest inspirations.

“I saw both, Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh, finish matches single-handedly. If they were in, there was no chance for the opponent to come back into the game, and that was something I really liked about them. I made a lot of runs in domestic cricket for Bihar, in league games and probables," he said.

Coach Recalls Early Talent and Hard Work

His childhood coach Manish Ojha praised his natural talent and dedication. He said the youngster showed strong potential from the beginning.

“In 2018, he came to the academy…it was clear he had potential and a real passion for cricket. He always liked to attack while batting and had beautiful timing. In every session, he would play 400-500 balls and wouldn’t stop unless I gave him a break."

Aggression Was Both Strength and Challenge

Ojha also pointed out a weakness in his early years. Sooryavanshi focused too much on hitting big shots instead of rotating strike.

“In 2022, during the open net sessions, he was given a 40-over slot to bat, 20 overs from new-ball bowlers and then spinners. I noticed he preferred to play only big, lofted shots," Ojha said.

“I told him…if you go for a big shot on every ball and ignore singles or doubles, you increase your chances of getting out. But he would say, ‘Sir, if I can hit a six on that ball, why take a single?'"

Eyes Set on Trophy

Sooryavanshi now aims to balance aggression with maturity. He wants to help Rajasthan Royals win the IPL title this season. His strong mindset and improved approach could make him one of the key players to watch in the tournament.