NEW DELHI: Former India coach Ravi Shastri has heaped praise on a new wave of IPL batting talents, identifying four young players he believes are destined for international cricket, while also offering a note of caution for a teenage prodigy making headlines.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri revealed he has been blown away by the fearless performances of Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre, Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Punjab Kings’ opening pair Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
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“The two Punjab openers (Arya and Singh) as well, they give it a smack,” Shastri said. “It’s as if these youngsters, 14 years, 17 years of age, come in and see it, hit it in the first six overs.”
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Arya, 23, has been particularly explosive, scoring 254 runs from eight innings at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 201.58, including a stunning century against CSK. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Mhatre has impressed with his fearless strokeplay, smashing 32 off just 15 balls against a star-studded Mumbai Indians line-up.
“The shots Ayush Mhatre played against the Mumbai Indians were unbelievable,” Shastri marvelled. “For a 17-year-old to come out and express himself that way, he caught everyone’s eye. If he’s handled properly and surrounded by the right people, he can go a long way.”
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Shastri also highlighted 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck a whirlwind 34 off 20 balls, including a six off his very first delivery in the IPL. But while he praised Suryavanshi’s audacity, he also urged caution.
“The first shot he played would have taken everyone’s breath away,” Shastri said. “But he’s young. There will be failures. It’s about how he handles them.”
Shastri warned that Suryavanshi’s early success will attract tougher challenges. “People will come up with new things. Lots of short stuff will be thrown at him. When you tonk someone’s first ball for six, there’s no mercy. He’ll have to get used to that.”
The former India coach noted the depth in India’s white-ball talent pool, but urged selectors to seize the moment with in-form players.
“If you think someone is hot and ticking most boxes, pick him,” Shastri stressed. “Don’t wait for next season. Strike while the iron is hot.”
