Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who demonstrates fearless play against top world bowlers at the age of 15, has made a notable mark in the world of cricket due to his aggressive style of play. The question arises as to how to stop this young batsman.
Former Indian off-spinner and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh shared his opinion, asserting that a defensive strategy against Vaibhav will not work. He believes the best way to stop him is to attack and aim to take a catch at every opportunity.
In an interview with PTI, Harbhajan Singh stated that if he were bowling to Vaibhav, he would not set the field based on the batsman's playing style. Instead, he would set the field according to his own bowling and constantly try to get the player out. He emphasized: 'I will not set the field according to his manner of play; I will set it up for my bowling. I will not back down from trying to dismiss him.'
According to Singh, if a bowler simply tries to maintain a stalemate against a batsman like Vaibhav, the bowler himself will come under pressure. Therefore, an aggressive approach is the best option. He added: 'If I bowl to avoid risk, I won't be able to do it. The only way to hold against him is to attack. You attack him and try to take his catch.'
Harbhajan understands that an aggressive bowling approach against Vaibhav could lead to the bowler suffering damage, as the young batsman is capable of sending even a bad ball into the stands. However, according to Singh, this should not change the bowler's strategy. He noted: 'You can succeed, or you can't. It's just a matter of time. You don't always succeed. Sometimes he can hit you hard. He might score sixteen runs, but that's part of the game.'
It is important that even if Vaibhav scores a sixteen off one ball, the bowler should not abandon his plan on the next ball. For Harbhajan, the real task is to continue trying to get the player out without fearing the batsman's power. Singh admitted: 'You have to accept that he is a good player. Nevertheless, you need to think about the next ball—how to get him out.'
Harbhajan Singh not only praised Vaibhav's play but also called his achievements at such a young age exceptional. He believes that having such an impact at the highest level at the age of 14–15 is extremely rare. He stated: 'Vaibhav Suryavanshi is amazing. He is a unique player. I think I have never seen a player who could dominate the world at the age of 14–15.'
Vaibhav's main characteristic is that he is not impressed by big names. His demeanor remains aggressive even when facing the best world bowlers. Singh stressed that when bowling against Vaibhav, even top bowlers are forced to consider where to pitch the ball. In Harbhajan's opinion, what great merit can a 15-year-old batsman have other than forcing top world bowlers to devise a strategy before bowling?
He concluded that Harbhajan opposes judging Vaibhav solely based on his age. In his view, his potential on the field should be assessed at the same level as what he demonstrates. Harbhajan said: 'Vaibhav Suryavanshi sends a signal that even a 15-year-old child can do it. Do not treat him like a child. A child can do things that adults cannot.'
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's story is special because he achieved recognition on a big stage at an age when other players are just preparing at a basic level. His style of play immediately puts bowlers under pressure. The essence of Harbhajan's words is not to treat Vaibhav as a child. He must be considered a dangerous batsman, attacked, and tried to be dismissed on every subsequent ball. Because if a bowler simply tries to avoid Vaibhav, it might become his biggest mistake.
