India’s interim head coach, VVS Laxman, is convinced that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s most significant progress in the last six months stems from his deepening understanding of the game, not just his batting skills. Following India’s impressive 3-0 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, Laxman noted that the 15-year-old’s game awareness has “skyrocketed,” allowing him to maintain his composure in high-pressure situations, even as he embarks on his international journey. The young talent silenced his critics with a standout performance that clinched the series, showcasing a level of maturity that belies his age, especially after facing challenges during his debut tour in England.
Sooryavanshi ended the three-match series with 151 runs in three innings at an average of 50.33. His match-winning 81 in the final T20I laid the platform for India’s 35-run victory and completed a clean sweep. Speaking after the match, Laxman said, “What is really impressive is the way he’s evolved as a person. The maturity level, the understanding, and the awareness over the last six months has actually skyrocketed. And that’s why he’s been able to handle tough situations.”
“He’s got a long career ahead” – VVS Laxman Backs Teenager for Bigger Challenges After Zimbabwe Success
Sooryavanshi played a key role in India’s flawless performance during their tour of Zimbabwe, where they swept all three T20Is. The 15-year-old bounced back impressively after scoring 13, 14, and 15 in his debut T20I series against England, where he was left out of the final match. His strong showing in Zimbabwe showcased not only his confidence but also his eagerness to learn from past experiences. Laxman noted that the young talent consistently reviews his practice sessions and matches to enhance his skills, as he said, “He was disappointed not to get a hundred, but we told him it’s not going to be the first or the last opportunity he’ll get. He’s got a long career ahead, and he has the attitude and mindset to improve every day. I’m sure he will progress and break all the records at the international level.”
With the Zimbabwe tour wrapped up, Sooryavanshi is now set to focus on the Asian Games, where he’s expected to make an appearance starting from the quarter-finals.
Laxman mentioned that Sooryavanshi’s ascent didn’t catch him off guard, as the batter had already demonstrated his composure while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The interim coach emphasized that competing in the IPL at such a young age requires a strong ability to handle pressure, and Sooryavanshi has already shown he can stand up to some of the best bowlers in the world. Although the young player felt let down after scoring 81 and missing out on his first international century, Laxman reassured him that there would be plenty more chances in the future. He expressed his belief that Sooryavanshi possesses the right mindset for continuous improvement and has the potential to reach significant milestones in international cricket.
