Kolkata, May 3 (NationPress) Shane Bond, the bowling coach of Rajasthan Royals, has showcased his steadfast backing for the young cricket talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, even amidst the fluctuations of his initial Indian Premier League (IPL) journey. Suryavanshi etched his name in history as the youngest player to hit an IPL century, scoring a remarkable 35-ball knock against Gujarat Titans on April 28. Despite experiencing a setback with a two-ball duck in his following match against Mumbai Indians, Bond remains optimistic about the young player's abilities and underscores the necessity of simplifying the game for the just 14-year-old.

“Vaibhav has been granted the freedom to play freely, which he has excelled at for someone his age,” Bond stated during the press briefing. He mentioned that the coaching team is deliberate in maintaining a straightforward approach for the young athlete, permitting him to express his game without the burden of additional stress. “We don’t want to create panic around someone so young,” Bond elaborated. “He will experience failure at times, and he must learn to manage that.”

“He may have missed out in the last match, but it’s crucial not to panic with someone so young,” he remarked. “He’s made a tremendous start, but he will encounter ups and downs. You know, he will fail sometimes, and he’ll need to learn to cope with that, considering his age.”

Bond emphasized the educational journey Suryavanshi is embarking on and the Royals’ commitment to fostering the right atmosphere for him. “Assistant coach Vikram Rathour collaborates closely with him on strategies, but beyond that, he’s just a kid, so we allow him to keep swinging,” Bond stated.

The coach also highlighted the significance of protecting Suryavanshi from the pressures of celebrity and social media. “We endeavor to shield him from the external noise,” Bond said. “He’s a wonderful kid, quiet, and his determination and confidence have been nothing short of remarkable so far.”

While Bond's encouragement extends to the young cricketer, he also acknowledged the impressive performance of Jofra Archer, the top bowler for Rajasthan Royals this season, urging his players to maintain their fighting spirit despite being out of playoff contention. Bond's message to the team was clear: “It’s about attitude, the will to compete and win, regardless of the standings.”

“Yes, he’s doing incredibly well. I mean, he had a challenging start, but now he’s played every match. He’s gaining that continuity in performance,” Bond added.

“I came across some statistics recently... He caused the highest shot percentage and has been unlucky with catches going down. So, I’m genuinely pleased with the way he’s approached his work. He has been fierce.”