Vaibhav Suryavanshi made all the noise with a captain’s knock but his short stay at the crease was the talking point for fans after Day 1 of the 1st Youth Test between India U-19 and England U-19.
The youngster who lit up the ODI series with record breaking numbers failed to carry that form into red ball cricket and fans are starting to question if he’s ready for the format.
Coming in with a lot of hype Suryavanshi showed early signs of aggression. He smashed three boundaries in the very first over, all off James Minto, making a bold start.
But that was all. He was out for 14 off 13 balls, caught by Ralphie Albert off Green. A strike rate of 107.69 looked good on paper but his poor shot selection left fans disappointed.
On social media many pointed out that Vaibhav looked in too much of a hurry. “Still playing white ball cricket in his head” wrote one fan.
“He’s not red ball material yet” said another. Some defended him saying he’s only 14 but most agreed he needs to work on his temperament and technique for the longer format.
In contrast captain Ayush Mhatre played a stunning innings. He got to his century off just 107 balls, reaching the milestone in the 36th over, driving Archie Vaughan for a boundary.
It was a captain’s knock in every sense full of control, intent and smart rotation of strike. Mhatre plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket and has been in top form.
His hundred set the tone for India in tough conditions and reminded everyone why he’s considered one of India’s best youth talents.
Back to Suryavanshi the expectations were massive. In the Youth ODI series he smashed a 143 off just 78 balls in Worcester, hitting 13 fours and 10 sixes. His 52 ball hundred is believed to be the fastest in Youth ODI history (unofficially).
He ended the series as India’s top scorer with 355 runs in 5 matches, averaging 71.00 and striking at 174.02. That white ball dominance built a lot of hype around him heading into the red ball format.
One innings doesn’t make a player especially when you’re 14. But Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s early exit in the first Youth Test has shown that red ball cricket is a different animal.
The shots are there but the patience isn’t there yet. Fans have noticed. He’ll get another chance in the second innings. Meanwhile Ayush Mhatre’s hundred was a lesson in how to build a red ball innings and a reminder that class and calm go a long way.
