Sooryavanshi embraces the rollercoaster and returns to a favorite hunting ground
He is only 15. He has just tasted international cricket. Yet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi speaks with the confidence of a seasoned fighter as he reflects on the faith of four months that tested his resolve as much as it catapulted him into the limelight.
After a breakthrough Indian Premier League season with Rajasthan Royals, the teenage sensation suffered a rare dip in form during the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka. However, he announced his return to the beat in characteristic style, exploding with a blistering century against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. This performance sealed his first invitation to India for the T20I tour of Great Britain.
Despite featuring in the opening two matches in Belfast, Sooryavanshi made history at Manchester’s Old Trafford in the second T20I against England, becoming India’s youngest international cricketer at 15 years and 100 days, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing mark.
However, his initiation into senior international cricket proved merciless. In the face of Jofra Archer’s fast pace and targeted short ball tactics, Sooryavanshi posted modest scores of 14, 13 and 15 in three matches. He he was subsequently left out of the final T20I in Birmingham as Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI, with India eventually suffering a 0–4 series defeat.
The team management’s decision to bench the teenage opener after just three innings drew sharp criticism from several former cricketers who argued for more patience with the generational talent.
Undeterred by control, Sooryavanshi learns to embrace the fickle nature of elite sport.
“Yes, there have been some ups and downs in the last four months; it’s part of cricket, it will happen again, but I have to follow the process and give 100 per cent to the team,” Sooryavanshi said during a training session in Harare.
The left-hander now returns to familiar and comfortable surroundings as India prepare to take on Zimbabwe in the three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club starting on July 23. Right here in February 2026 Sooryavanshi produced one of the most devastating innings in the history of the age group, smashing an unbeaten 175 off just 80 balls with 15 fours and 15 sixes against England to lead India to their sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title.
Accompanied by his parents during the UK tour and constantly guided by a supportive coaching staff, the young opener feels mentally and technically well-equipped for his latest task.
“It goes without saying that whatever I want, the coaches make it available to me, and whatever practice I require, I get it. I feel very good, there is also confidence,” he added.
MEMORIAL GROUND FOR ME SOORYAVANSHI
A revisit to the site of his Under-19 World Cup heroics provided a timely boost of positive reinforcement.
“It’s a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago we played the U19 World Cup final and we won, so a very special ground. It’s everyone’s dream to represent India and it’s a very special moment,” he said.
“I’m playing on a ground where we won the Under-19 World Cup four months ago and made history, and it’s going to be a completely different feeling to come back to the ground and play here … really enjoy it.”
Sooryavanshi, who has already played two matches at the World Cup venue, plans to use his knowledge of Harare’s pitch conditions to make a big contribution in the senior colours.
In Ireland and England, the young crop of Indian batsmen struggled to adapt to the conditions after playing in the subcontinent before the tour.
“The pitch and the conditions here, I have a good idea of it from the last time I played here in the Under-19 World Cup. So I’ll try what I picked up during that tournament to apply that knowledge during the matches now and I’ll do well,” he said.
The youngster is likely to come out on top as India traveled to Zimbabwe without Sanju Samson. Punjab Kings wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh is the reserve opener in the squad.
INDIA SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE TOUR
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakuran, Ashk Yabdav, Sransim.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
Jul 22, 2026 1:36 PM IST