"He is improving on daily basis": Mahela Jayawardene praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's growth
Mumbai, May 23
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised Rajasthan Royals young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his outstanding Indian Premier League season, highlighting the young batter's growing maturity and ability to adapt his game.
The Mumbai Indians head coach noted that Sooryavanshi has made a major impact at the top of the order and is improving daily in terms of reading match situations and adjusting his approach.
Jayawardene added that MI have prepared tactical plans to counter him, but stressed that successful execution on the field will be key to creating opportunities against the in-form batter.
Jayawardene was speaking to the reporters on the eve of his side's IPL clash against RR in Mumbai at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
"I think we have had a few ways of doing it. I have seen other teams use certain ways to tactically adjust depending on the resources that they have. But he has had a phenomenal season. In the second season, he is making a big impact on the game up front. You have seen in the last game as well that he took a different approach to the way he batted. He is improving on a daily basis in the sense that he is reading the game. That is something that we also have to understand and see what we need to do. We have a few ideas. It is about us executing it. If we get to execute, we will create some opportunities within, and we need to grab hold of that," Jayawardene told the reporters.
Sooryavanshi is RR's top run getter this season and is having a generational tournament, with 579 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.53 and a strike rate of over 236, including a century, three fifties and 53 sixes, the highest by an Indian during a single IPL edition.
Mumbai, who are already out of the IPL 2026, will look to end their campaign on a positive note. Rajasthan, on the other hand, will look to secure a victory and seal their playoff birth. A loss against Mumbai will put the Royals in a tricky position as they will be dependent on other teams to qualify for the playoffs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Kaafi impressive season for Sooryavanshi bhai! But I have a small concern - when Indian youngsters perform like this, sometimes they get overhyped and then fade away. I hope he remains grounded and continues this form. Jayawardene is right though, he is improving daily. Let's see if MI can actually execute their plans tomorrow. 🤔
This is what we need in Indian cricket more of our young batters taking on bowlers with fearless intent! Sooryavanshi's strike rate of 236 is not a fluke - it shows pure class. But I hope RR management doesn't put too much pressure on him for the playoffs. Let him play his natural game. 😊👏
Jayawardene's tactical approach is interesting - he's basically admitting MI doesn't have the bowling to stop Sooryavanshi easily. That's honest coaching right there! But as an MI fan, I wish we had planned better before the season. Still, credit where due - Sooryavanshi is a special talent.
Vaibhav's six-hitting ability is reminding me of Yuvraj Singh in his prime! 579 runs with 53 sixes - that's almost one six every 10 runs! Unbelievable. But I think RR should give him a rest before playoffs if qualification is secured. Don't want him to burn out. 🤞
One thing I appreciate about Jayawardene - he never makes excuses. MI are already out but he's still analyzing opponents properly. Vaibhav So
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