Vaibhav Suryavanshi/sbkinews.in
Ravichandran Ashwin, the former Indian spinner, has voiced his concerns over Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-breaking 190 off 84 balls for Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, calling the contest “not ideal” due to the glaring quality gap between the teams. While Ashwin praised Suryavanshi’s explosive batting, he also highlighted the lopsided nature of the match, which saw Bihar post a mammoth 574 for 6 against Arunachal Pradesh.
Suryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Innings
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy, delivered a sensational knock that rewrote the record books. Opening for Bihar, Suryavanshi raced to his century in just 36 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred by an Indian in List A cricket. He went on to smash 15 sixes and 16 fours in his 190-run innings, finishing with a strike rate of 226.19.
Suryavanshi’s innings was a display of fearless and sustained power-hitting, transforming an otherwise routine contest into a spectacle. His assault set the tone for Bihar after they elected to bat first, putting the opposition under immediate pressure. The knock was particularly significant as it came just three days after Suryavanshi endured a rare failure in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against Pakistan in the UAE, showcasing his remarkable resilience and temperament.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi/sbkinews.in
Ashwin’s Verdict
R Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, lauded Suryavanshi’s performance but raised important questions about the quality of the opposition and the overall competitiveness of the match. “Huge applause for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. But I again want to ask a question. There is a huge divide, chalk and cheese, in terms of quality with some teams. It becomes very lop-sided with some teams and there is no contest at all,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s comments reflect a broader concern in Indian cricket circles about the disparity between the Elite and Plate groups in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He noted that while Suryavanshi’s knock was extraordinary, such mismatches could impact the confidence of teams aiming to move up from the Plate Group to the Elite Group. “It is not an ideal contest. Credit to Vaibhav for his performance. He is doing what he has to do. But if we are serious about teams like Arunachal Pradesh becoming good sides, what will this do to their confidence?” Ashwin asked.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi/sbkinews.in
Tournament Context and Implications
The Vijay Hazare Trophy’s first day saw a flurry of centuries, with Suryavanshi’s 190 being one of three in the Bihar innings. Captain Sakibul Gani also struck a century in just 32 deliveries, and Ishan Kishan registered a 33-ball hundred for Mumbai. These performances highlighted the dominance of top-tier teams over the Plate Group sides, raising questions about the tournament’s structure and the development of cricket in India.
Suryavanshi’s knock was part of a broader trend of explosive batting, with Bihar setting a world record for the highest total in men’s List A cricket, scoring 574 for 6. While such records are celebrated, they also underscore the need for a more balanced competition to foster the growth of all teams.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi/sbkinews.in
Suryavanshi’s Future
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s performance has placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of India’s most promising young cricketers. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver match-winning performances at such a young age is a testament to his talent and temperament. Suryavanshi is expected to be a key figure in India’s Under-19 World Cup campaign scheduled for January–February 2026, with his latest exploits further underlining his rapid rise in Indian cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi/sbkinews.in
Conclusion
R Ashwin’s verdict on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 84-ball 190 is a timely reminder of the need for a more balanced and competitive domestic cricket structure in India. While Suryavanshi’s knock was extraordinary, the lopsided nature of the contest raises important questions about the development of cricket in the country. As Indian cricket continues to produce prodigies like Suryavanshi, the focus should be on creating a more equitable platform for all teams to thrive.
