Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines in T20I Series Against Zimbabwe
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Impressive Performance
File image of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi(Photo: @CricketopiaCom/X)
Harare, July 27: VVS Laxman, India's interim head coach, praised the remarkable performance of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the third T20I against Zimbabwe. Laxman highlighted Sooryavanshi's ability to learn from each experience, which has contributed to his rapid ascent in cricket, and expressed confidence that he will "break all the records" on the international stage.
Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Series in India's 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe, scoring an impressive 81 runs off 49 balls, helping India set a total of 192/5 on a challenging pitch at the Harare Sports Club. He had previously achieved his first international half-century in the series opener.
"His maturity is commendable. Vaibhav learns and improves with every match and practice session. What we witnessed was a composed innings, especially given the difficult conditions. The pitch was slow, and the Zimbabwean bowlers had a strategy against him, but he adapted well," Laxman remarked after the series concluded.
Laxman noted that Sooryavanshi's outstanding performances were anticipated, referencing his impressive temperament during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Rajasthan Royals.
"It was expected. Last year, during his debut IPL season, he managed pressure exceptionally well. Playing in the IPL is akin to competing at the international level. At such a young age, he chose to embrace the pressure rather than be intimidated by it. Thus, his success in this series did not surprise me," he added.
Despite feeling disappointed for not scoring his first international century, Laxman reassured Sooryavanshi about his promising future. "He was upset about missing the hundred, but we reminded him that this won't be his only chance. He has a long career ahead, and with his attitude and mindset, he will continue to improve and achieve great things," Laxman stated.
Laxman, who oversees the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, provided insights into Sooryavanshi’s rapid transition from youth cricket to high-stakes competitions. "He recently played in the Under-19 World Cup and quickly made a mark in the IPL. Competing against top bowlers from India and around the globe, his evolution as an international cricketer showcases his immense potential and talent," he explained.
Having closely monitored Sooryavanshi's development for over two years at the Centre of Excellence, Laxman emphasized the importance of understanding the player personally to enhance his preparation. "We identified him about two and a half years ago before the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. He was a key player in the quadrangular series in Vijayawada and later became the highest run-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup. We know him well, both as a player and as a person, which helps us tailor his training effectively," he said.
While technical adjustments have been minimal, Laxman noted that Sooryavanshi's growth has been significant in terms of personal maturity and awareness. "The improvements in his maturity and understanding over the past six months have been remarkable, enabling him to perform under pressure against top players," he remarked.
Concluding his thoughts, Laxman mentioned that fitness is an area for improvement. "We want him to enhance his overall fitness. It's important to remember that he is only 15 years old and is eager to improve in every aspect of the game. Even after sustaining an injury during the match, he wanted to stay on the field, showcasing his dedication to the team," he concluded.