‘I don’t take it for granted’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (ANI Photo) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi believes his record first international half-century has given him the confidence he needs after a difficult start to life in international cricket. The 15-year-old announced his arrival in style when he smashed an 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in men’s international cricket. The knock marked a dramatic turnaround for the teenage opener, who had endured a disappointing debut series against England. Sooryavanshi managed just 42 runs in his first three T20I innings, scoring 14 off 10 balls, 13 off five deliveries and 15 off 10 balls. After helping India secure a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Sooryavanshi said the innings will play a key role in boosting his confidence at the start of his international tour. “When you are at the initial stage of your career and you get an innings like that at the beginning, you get confidence for the next matches. I felt like I was in my zone and backed my own strength,” Sooryavanshi said in a video released by the BCCI. At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting legend was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored his first international fifty against Pakistan in the Faisalabad Test in 1989. Harare became a particularly memorable place for the young man. Earlier this year, he lit up the same ground with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls against England in the 2026 U19 World Cup final. Months later, he returned to the venue to produce another innings that underlined his immense potential. Despite the success in Harare, Sooryavanshi insisted that he does not take any place or opportunity for granted and remains focused on making meaningful contributions wherever he plays. “There are some pitches where you like to run. I don’t take it for granted. I try to play wherever I can, give my best, contribute to the team and do well,” he said. The teenager also acknowledged the role played by those who supported him throughout his rise, dedicating the milestone to his family and coaches. “I will dedicate myself to my family, my coaches, everyone who supported me in my journey,” he concluded. Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s comfortable chase down Zimbabwe to 125 for seven, with the visitors sealing a seven-wicket victory and taking an early advantage in the three-match T20I series.