Vijay Hazare run-fest leaves young bowlers exposed

A brutal run surge at the Vijay Hazare Trophy this week exposed the gap between experience and youth, as several young bowlers were punished during record-scoring group matches across India. The high-octane batting displays came as flat pitches and fearless intent combined to overwhelm inexperienced attacks.
Seasoned batters cashed in early, with multiple teams crossing the 350 mark, while debutants struggled to control lengths and lines under pressure. “When the ball stops gripping, it becomes a real test of skill and temperament,” a senior domestic coach said after his side conceded heavily.
Former India pacer noted the learning curve is steep. “These games can be harsh, but they’re valuable,” he said. “You either adapt quickly or the scoreboard runs away.”
Young bowlers admitted the challenge. “It’s tough when everything you bowl gets punished,” one player said. “But this is the level we need to get used to.”
The tournament’s run glut has reignited debate over pitch balance, even as selectors view the competition as a proving ground. For many freshers, the Vijay Hazare Trophy has delivered a hard but timely lesson.