Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits 93 as Rajasthan Royals boost play-off hopes
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck a blistering 93 off 38 balls to lead the Rajasthan Royals to a crucial Indian Premier League victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.
The Indian wonderkid smashed 10 sixes during a staggering innings that moves him back to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts.
A remarkable 88 of his 93 runs came from boundaries as he completely dominated the already-eliminated Super Giants bowling attack.
He appeared certain to register his second century of the campaign before mistiming a shot off Mohsin Khan straight to Abdul Samad in the deep.
India A selection follows white-ball omission
Earlier in the day, India selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the teenager’s omission from the national team’s one-day squad to face Afghanistan next month.
Despite growing calls for the prodigy to join the senior white-ball sides, he has instead been named in an India A squad to tour Sri Lanka after the franchise tournament concludes.
“We picked him for the India A team because he is young and immensely promising,” said Agarkar.
“The idea is to give these youngsters exposure. Yashasvi Jaiswal is already part of the ODI set-up as well. As impressive as he has been, there are others who have performed strongly too.”
“We are very excited about him and hopefully he can showcase his talent when he travels with the A team.”
Royals edge closer to knockout stages
The Royals’ scoring rate dropped significantly once the dynamic opener departed, but Dhruv Jurel stepped up with an unbeaten 53 off 38 deliveries to secure the win.
This vital victory elevates the franchise into fourth place in the league table.
It guarantees that a win against the Mumbai Indians in their final group match will seal their spot in the coveted knockout stages.
Marsh fireworks in vain for Super Giants
Earlier in the contest, Mitchell Marsh crunched 96 off 57 balls to continue his rich vein of form for the visitors.
The Australian all-rounder put on a commanding 109-run partnership for the first wicket alongside compatriot Josh Inglis, who contributed a rapid 60.
England fast bowler Jofra Archer proved to be the pick of the hosts’ attack, finishing with figures of 1-39 and executing a crucial run-out to dismiss Rishabh Pant.