Rajasthan Royals (RR) youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced one of the most explosive knocks in Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff history during the Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
The teenage batter completely dismantled the SRH bowling attack and brought absolute mayhem during RR’s innings with his fearless strokeplay and clean hitting.
Sooryavanshi smashed 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, hammering five boundaries and 12 sixes at a staggering strike rate above 330.
The innings powered RR to a massive total and also helped the franchise break several playoff scoring records during the high-scoring Eliminator encounter.
Also Read: RR shatter legendary CSK record as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unleashes carnage in Eliminator vs SRH
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opens up on missing century against SRH
After missing out on what could have been a historic IPL playoff century, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed the exact moment and shot that prevented him from reaching the three-figure mark.
Speaking after the innings, the RR opener said the coaching staff had advised him to play fearlessly and avoid taking pressure despite the knockout situation.
"(Did it ever strike you that this is a knockout game, a big match?) No, it was somewhere in my mind, but all the coaches told me to do exactly what I’ve been doing in practice, enjoy the game, and not take pressure in this match," Sooryavanshi said.
The youngster also felt Rajasthan Royals still had enough firepower to push their total even further after his dismissal.
"(From your perspective, is 243 a little below par or decent enough?) No, even after I got out, it still felt it was possible to score 260+. But now, whatever score we have, we will look to defend it and execute whatever plans we have," he added.
Explaining the shot that ended his innings on 97, Sooryavanshi admitted he misjudged his placement while attempting another big hit.
"(Was the century on your mind?) I wasn’t really thinking about it like that, but I played that shot after looking at the fielder, and that’s why I mistimed it. If I had gone towards third man, it would have cleared easily. But I tried to hit it straight, and that’s why I missed the shot," he said.
RR dominate with bat as SRH collapse early in chase
Rajasthan Royals produced a sensational batting performance during the first innings of the Eliminator. Apart from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s brutal 97, Dhruv Jurel smashed a rapid half-century, while captain Riyan Parag also chipped in with a quick cameo.
RR eventually posted a gigantic total of 243 runs, putting Sunrisers Hyderabad under massive pressure in the knockout clash. While chasing the huge target, SRH suffered a disastrous start as Rajasthan Royals bowlers struck repeatedly inside the power play.
At the time of writing, Sunrisers Hyderabad were struggling at 64/4 after 5.2 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy was batting on 2 off 3 deliveries, while Heinrich Klaasen remained unbeaten on 5 off 5 balls. RR now look firmly in control of the Eliminator as they aim to secure a place in Qualifier 2.