Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has expressed admiration for Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi following the teenager’s remarkable start in the Indian Premier League. At just 15 years of age, Suryavanshi has already set a record by scoring half-centuries off 15 deliveries in two separate matches, while also rising to the top of the run-scoring charts in the ongoing tournament.
Speaking ahead of the Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru fixture, Pollard described the young batter’s approach against elite bowlers as “unbelievable”. He specifically highlighted Suryavanshi’s ability to attack from the very first delivery against internationally recognised bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer, Trent Boult, and Josh Hazlewood.
Reflecting on his own early years, Pollard noted that at the age of 15 he was still attending school while playing club cricket. He remarked that witnessing a player of similar age performing at such a high level on the global stage is particularly noteworthy. He added that Suryavanshi is effectively utilising youthful energy to his advantage and expressed hope that such form can be sustained, particularly for the benefit of Indian cricket.
Pollard, however, cautioned against excessive hype. He emphasised the importance of consistent encouragement while warning that young players are often quickly criticised if their performances decline. He stated that it is essential not to become carried away by popularity and to ensure that emerging cricketers are supported through both success and failure. He also remarked that the tendency to overlook a player’s past achievements after a brief dip in form remains a concern.
In the current IPL season, Suryavanshi has delivered consistent performances across four innings. His most notable contribution came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he scored a match-winning 78 runs from just 26 deliveries, including eight fours and seven sixes. After four innings, he has accumulated 200 runs at an average of 50.
The following table summarises his performances:
| Innings | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 52 | – | – | – |
| 2nd | 31 | – | – | – |
| 3rd | 39 | – | – | – |
| 4th | 78 | 26 | 8 | 7 |
Pollard also addressed the longevity of senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were set to face each other on Sunday, 12 April. He stated that motivation varies among individuals and should not be judged solely by age. He cited examples including Imran Tahir, who continues to play into his mid-to-late forties, and MS Dhoni, who remains active at 44.
Pollard further added that he himself has continued to participate in franchise cricket at 39, underlining that players’ decisions to continue are shaped by personal factors. He stressed that experienced cricketers who have contributed significantly to the sport should be accorded respect, and that the decision to retire should remain with the individuals concerned.
Concluding his remarks, Pollard rejected the notion of framing matches as individual rivalries, such as a contest between Kohli and Rohit. Instead, he maintained that such fixtures should be viewed as team contests, specifically Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while acknowledging that senior players are still performing effectively and contributing positively to the game.