EXCLUSIVE | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi embodies the IPL slogan ‘where talent meets opportunity’ – Arun Dhumal

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: MS Dhoni played hide and seek with the fans in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). He didn’t play a single game. Virat Kohli once again stamped his class. Rohit Sharma has struggled with his fitness throughout the season and has looked a pale shadow of himself.As the sun begins to set on the careers of the IPL’s biggest movers, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a prodigy from the hinterlands of Bihar, has taken up the baton. Sooryavanshi not only lit up the season with his stunning move but also proved to be someone who will bring the fans to the stadiums. Former India spinner R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that he watches Rajasthan Royals matches with his parents, a story that mirrors every Indian household these days. They remain glued to the screen whenever the teenager goes to bat.IPL chairman Arun Dhumal is also a fan of the teenage sensation.“Vaibhav embodies the IPL tagline which is ‘where talent meets opportunity’.” The guy is something else, isn’t he?” says Dhumal in a free-wheeling chat with TimesofIndia.com.“The talent has always been there but how do they get the opportunity? The IPL has provided that opportunity, that platform.”

I think this is a unique opportunity for any scout or draft team to acquire such an amazing talent. Hats off to the guy who noticed him

Arun Dhumal on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

In 14 games this IPL season, Sooryavanshi has amassed 583 runs at a whopping strike rate of 232.27. He hit more sixes (53) than fours (50).Dhumal credits the Rajasthan Royals scouting team for unearthing such a gem.“I think it’s a unique opportunity for any scout or draft team to get such an amazing talent at such a young age. Hats off to the guy who spotted him, definitely,” he says.“And the way the boy has matured and performed at such a young age is phenomenal. Not only in the IPL, if you look at the U-19 World Cup final, he scored 175 in 80 balls and the team scored 411 runs. That’s unheard of in U-19 cricket, the same in a World Cup final.”“This is very good for Indian cricket as such. And that is the beauty of the IPL. It has been transformational for so many young talents over the last 18-19 years. It has changed their lives,” he adds.

File photo of Rajasthan Royals batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Dhumal admits that the rise of Sooryavanshi will add more responsibility on the BCCI and Rajasthan Royals to hold on to him, especially when he is going through a tough phase.“Like any great player, he goes through his ups and downs. That’s what’s unique about sports. He’s going to fail. He’s going to go down. But that’s what sports trains you to do. You get up and perform better the next game. That’s a very integral part of your preparation for life. Life is never going to be a one-way street where you just keep going up.”“I’m sure the boy, given his performances throughout this season and as part of the U-19 team, has seen many setbacks. But he would try to perform even better in the next match and help his team win,” says Dhumal. The veteran administrator adds that the youngster would need a lot of support to maintain the right mental space for the challenges that come his way.“I feel the BCCI and the franchise would need to hold his hand to show him the right path so that his temperament remains intact. Because sport is not only about physical skills, it is also about mental toughness.”

What is the most exciting aspect of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s performance?

“And we will definitely do everything to make sure that the kind of skills he has will allow him to perform for India for many, many years to come,” adds Dhumal.