Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has said that for youngsters who are watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi go all guns blazing from ball one, it’s crucial to understand if that approach can be sustained over a long time and be successful.
The much-anticipated international debut of Sooryavanshi has become a nationwide talking point. With his fearless, attack-at-all-costs approach, he has already captured the imagination of the cricketing world and is seen as a cricketer redefining the way T20s are played.
When Hayden, who watched Sooryavanshi’s exploits from the Gujarat Titans dugout during the IPL, was asked whether Shubman Gill’s classical batting style could coexist with Sooryavanshi’s explosive approach in T20s, Hayden offered an intriguing
perspective.
“We are talking about two very unique personalities. Can both (Gill and Sooryavanshi) styles exist? Absolutely. They already do. The challenge for any youngster watching someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is whether that style can be sustained over a long period,” Hayden said while speaking to PTI.
For the former Australian cricketer, Gill has already proved that his batting style possesses all the ingredients needed to succeed at the highest level.
“Shubman Gill has already shown that it can be done with consistency at the international level and for me, international cricket remains the premium standard,” Hayden said.
“Just as we see footballers like Lionel Messi represent both club and country successfully, there is room for different approaches in cricket,” Hayden added.
The former Australian cricketer, who has enjoyed successful stints as both a coach and commentator, believes every player must discover the approach that best suits their own game and stay true to their individual style.
“I strongly believe in helping players find their own inner warrior. Sooryavanshi and Gill are completely different personalities with different backgrounds and different journeys,” Hayden said.
