Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines in Tri-Series Final, Earning Praise from Anand Mahindra

In a thrilling tri-series final, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showcased his extraordinary talent, scoring fifty runs off just 11 balls. His performance not only silenced critics but also drew praise from business magnate Anand Mahindra, who highlighted the young cricketer's mental strength. Following a previous match marred by confrontation, Vaibhav channeled his energy into a stellar display, leading India 'A' to a decisive 66-run victory over Sri Lanka 'A'. This match has solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 17:11 IST

Tri-Series Final Highlights

The final match of the tri-series featuring India 'A' and Sri Lanka 'A' took place on Sunday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The standout performer was 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who captivated audiences with his dynamic batting.

Vaibhav's Rising Stardom

Vaibhav has been making waves in Indian cricket, and his performance in the final was a strong rebuttal to his critics. His exceptional display has garnered attention not only from cricket enthusiasts and former players but also from prominent figures in the business sector, including Anand Mahindra, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, who expressed admiration for the young talent.

Anand Mahindra's Praise

Anand Mahindra took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Vaibhav's performance. He highlighted the young player's ability to manage pressure and his mental resilience, which he deemed more impressive than just his batting skills. Mahindra used Vaibhav's experience as a lesson on how to confront challenges with patience and mental strength.

In his tweet, he remarked, 'Fifty off 11 balls. Incredible. However, another statistic stands out to me. Following an on-field altercation in the previous match, he could have let that affect him. Instead, he focused on his game and let his bat speak for him. Talent is a gift, but temperament is a choice. This temperament will make him a star.'

Revenge on the Field

Prior to the final, on June 15, tensions flared during a match where Vaibhav had a confrontation with players from Sri Lanka 'A'. India 'A' lost that match in a Super Over, and the Sri Lankan players engaged in sledging, which escalated into a physical altercation between Vaibhav and fielder Vishon Halambage. The match referee took the incident seriously, imposing a 50% fine on both players.

Despite the earlier loss and the criticism from the Sri Lankan team, Vaibhav maintained his composure. In the final on June 21, he unleashed his skills against the Sri Lankan bowlers, leading India 'A' to a resounding victory by 66 runs, thus claiming the trophy.