Chennai: Rajasthan Royals Has banked on young talent for success – Vaibhav Suryavanshi tops the list. And one of the backroom guys who has helped the franchise shape its young structure is performance coach Siddhartha Lahri, who also oversees RR academies across the globe. Reflecting on Suryavanshi’s rapid rise, Lahiri told TOI: “He definitely has a lot of potential, he is a madman, a 14-year-old with this level of potential. He is at that stage in his life where he likes to breathe cricket and he likes to bat.
The coach stressed that the aim of the franchise is not only to nurture players but also quality coaches. Their academies have already produced international names such as Ollie Pope, Shoaib Bashir and Phil Salt, while focusing on developing talent closer to home. Yeshsavi Jaiswal, Ryan Prague and Dhruv Jaril. Departure of Sanju Samson There was a setback for the Royals, and Lahiri admitted that the team will feel his absence. “He is one of the best white-ball cricketers and a player of immense talent. He will surely be missed. I have had the privilege of watching him play some amazing innings for us… People have been talking about his World Cup success in the last three matches, but we are used to it at Royals. It was partly their mutual decision, and I wish them every success.” Supporting Parag’s leadership credentials, despite a mixed season last year, Lahiri expressed strong faith in the youngster. “He is brilliant, he has led his domestic team; he plays his cricket in Assam, which means he knows what it means to be an underdog. He is well-respected at Royals and has a great relationship with the head coach. Kumar Sangakkara and the team. I believe Parag has the quality to be an intelligent leader. Lahri also noted that Parag’s development in the white-ball format has been significant. He added, “Had it not been for a minor shoulder injury, he could have been part of the T20 World Cup squad. He is an incredible white-ball player, and fits perfectly with the fearless brand of cricket that India are playing”.
