Vijay Zol – ready for the next step

Vijay Zol

Any dedicated fan of the game of cricket would know of the youngster named Vijay Zol. Here’s a stat for you – the first class batting average of Zol is a whopping 162.50! What a player he could be for India!

Let us have a look at his record during the last 4 innings. He had scored 103 runs against South Africa under 19s at Vishakhapatnam on 5-10-2013; then again 71 at the same venue against the same team. Thereafter, on 27-10-2013, he had scored an unbeaten 200 and 13 while playing in the Ranji Trophy match against Tripura at Pune. For many, this is certainly a projection of the spark hidden in this young and committed cricketer.

When you have a look at his profile photograph, the very first impression one gets is that he has a pleasing personality with a good fitness level. A cricket fan friend of mine once said that Zol appears to be more like a musician with a guitar, than a cricketer! I said that as long as his bat is striking big knocks, any comparison and notion is welcome!

This latest cricketing sensation was born in Maharashtra on 23-11-1994, and will be completing 18 years of age this month. Incidentally, another versatile young cricketer Sanju Samson, also making a mark, is almost of the same age. Zol has played for India A and India under 19s. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. On the domestic circuit, he plays for Maharashtra.

Vijay Zol is a hardworking batsman who gives his 100% every time he comes out to bat. He does not only time the ball well, but his footwork also commensurates according to the need. He first got noticed when he put up a huge score of 451 runs in an under 19 match while playing for Maharashtra – that too in 467 balls (53 fours and 2 sixes).

During his first class debut against New Zealand A this year at Vishakhapatnam, he had displayed his outstanding skills when he scored 110 runs in 153 balls. The way he played Mark Gillespie and Doug Bracewell in a fairly easy manner is really praise worthy. Zol was selected to represent the India Under-19 team and led the side in the triangular series in Australia earlier this year.

Although Indian cricket is doing reasonably well in every sphere – ranging from Under 19s, Under 23s, India A and the senior squad – but still it is always good to have a capable bench strength. Youngsters like Vijay Zol, Sanju Samson, Mandeep Singh and Baba Aparajith will be like a ready built force prepared to strike. Although right now seniors like Gambhir and Sehwag are also knocking the door for selection in the senior team, but in about 3-4 years, services of this young brigade will be required.

Meanwhile Raina, Dhawan and Virat will achieve the status of seniors by virtue of their experience. With the assistance from these young ones, team India will form a good combination. But the name of the game will always remain the same – everyone has got to perform to remain in the squad, otherwise there is no dearth of talent in India today.

If we see Zol’s performances, especially the recent ones, I do believe that he has shown the aggression of Kohli and maturity of MS Dhoni. This fellow should be watched and nourished. Hopefully, we might have got a very dependable batsman to serve team India for a long period. I am a firm believer in this youngster!