He doesn't want give a damn about any bowler: Jurel reveals Sooryavanshi's mantra behind explosive batting
New Chandigarh, May 28
Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel expanded on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's mindset, saying the teenage batting sensation's mantra is "he doesn't give a damn about the bowler".
Powered by Sooryavanshi's explosive knock of 97 off 29 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 334.48 and backed by early strikes from Jofra Archer, RR clinched a huge 47-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.
Sooryavanshi tore into the SRH bowling attack, sending the ball to all corners of the ground to give the Royals a blistering start. He needed just three deliveries to clear the ropes for the first time, taking on SRh skipper Pat Cummins in the opening over and never easing off from there. The 15-year-old looked unstoppable, dispatching the likes of Cummins, Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain for sixes with remarkable ease.
"The best thing about Vaibhav that I have noticed is that he doesn't plan anything. Because he practises a lot and he always backs himself. That's what he does every time he goes out and plays. The best thing about him is that he backs himself. He doesn't even have a shadow of doubt that 'I am not able to do it'" Jurel said in post match presser.
Sooryavanshi's seventh maximum in the fourth over took him past Chris Gayle's record of 59 sixes - the most by any batter in a single IPL season - while his eighth maximum helped him race to a 16-ball half-century, which is the joint-fastest fifty in IPL playoffs. He hammered five more sixes after reaching his fifty and looked set to threaten another Chris Gayle landmark - the fastest IPL century, off just 30 balls.
However, his breathtaking knock ended in heartbreak when an attempted upper cut off Hinge's delivery resulted in a mistimed shot towards deep third, where he was safely caught
"When we go to an academy, we're told, 'Don't watch the bowler, watch the ball'. As 17-year-olds, we always watch the bowler, (and think) he's a big name. But really, he just watches the ball. That's all. His mantra is 'I don't want give a damn about any bowler'" he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I'm thrilled for Vaibhav, I can't help but feel a little worried. At 15, this kind of pressure can be overwhelming. Remember what happened to Prithvi Shaw? The talent is undeniable, but I hope the system nurtures him properly - not just as a six-hitting machine, but as a complete cricketer. Let him enjoy his youth first. 🙏
"I don't want give a damn about any bowler" - that's the swagger we need! This kid is like a young Sehwag mixed with Pant's fearlessness. Breaking Gayle's six-hitting record at this age is insane. The future of Indian batting looks seriously bright with Sooryavanshi, Jaiswal, and Gill all around. IPL is the perfect platform for such fearless talent. 💪🇮🇳
Watching from the US, and this kid's innings was just ridiculous! 12 sixes at 334 SR? That's not cricket, that's a video game! In a sport where we often see defensive mindset, it's refreshing to watch someone just go after the bowling. Hope he gets a chance in the Indian team soon - we need more of this fearless approach in international cricket. 🔥
Brilliant innings, but let's not get carried away. This was SRH's bowling attack on a flat track in New Chandigarh. Let's see how he performs on a tricky pitch or against quality spin. That said, the mental attitude is world-class - Jurel's comment about not watching the bowler is the key. Vaibhav just backs his ability. Hope RR management handles him carefully, like they did with Jaiswal.
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