Abhishek Sharma Discusses Young Talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ahead of T20I Series

Team India Prepares for T20I Series Against West Indies

As Team India gears up for the first T20I match against the West Indies at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 6, opener Abhishek Sharma has shared insights about his batting experience and his relationship with the promising young player, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A Rising Star

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as a significant talent in international cricket, having made headlines with a remarkable 776-run performance in IPL 2026. His impressive skills earned him a spot in the national team for the T20I series against Ireland and England. At just 15 years old, he made history as the youngest Indian to participate in international cricket.

His T20I debut against Zimbabwe was a standout moment, where he scored 151 runs and was named Player of the Series. Additionally, he played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for India at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Pakistan in the final.

Abhishek's Insights on Batting with Vaibhav

With the focus now on the T20I series, Abhishek Sharma has expressed his thoughts on batting alongside the young prodigy. He commended Vaibhav's maturity and noted that his prior experience in cricket has equipped him with the knowledge of effective practice routines.

During an interview on JioStar, Abhishek remarked, "He is a very smart guy. Unlike how we behaved at 15, he understands what to practice and how much effort is needed." He emphasized the team's commitment to helping Vaibhav feel at home in the dressing room.

Building a Bond Beyond Cricket

Abhishek also mentioned his role in making Vaibhav feel comfortable within the team, likening their relationship to that of brothers. He shared that Vaibhav has started picking up Punjabi phrases from his teammates and occasionally uses Bihari in conversations.

"I see it as my responsibility to ensure he feels supported by us older players. He should enjoy the game and give his best whenever he gets the opportunity," Abhishek added.

Vaibhav's Performance and Expectations

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is anticipated to be part of the playing XI for the first T20I against the West Indies. In his T20I career thus far, he has scored 246 runs, including two fifties, with an average of 30.75 and an impressive strike rate of 186.36 across eight matches.