Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wows audiences in Ranchi with an explosive networking session

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may still be waiting for his chance to make an impact in Indian colours, but the 15-year-old continues to attract plenty of attention wherever he goes.

The teenage batting sensation was in the limelight during India’s practice session ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi on Friday, repeatedly sending deliveries towards the boundary as he powered through the intense net.

With veteran opener Sanju Samson occupying the opening spot, Sooryavanshi remains in the wings for now. But the youngster from Bihar offered another insight into the attacking stroke play that has made him one of the most talked about young batsmen in Indian cricket.

The sight of Sooryavanshi cleaning the ropes repeatedly attracted the attention of policemen, spectators and members of the media gathered around the nets, as reported by PTI. Every big shot was met with interest as the teenager continued to show little hesitation despite sharing the training ground with established Indian players. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has a word with the coaches. (Image: PTI)

SOORYAVANSHI TURNS HEADS

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting was one of the highlights of the session, with the teenager repeatedly finding the boundary and sending balls into the stands and onto the screen next to the press conference hall.

At just 15, he is already part of the conversation about India’s future top-order combination. While his opportunity in the playing XI may not yet have come, sessions like this continue to offer a glimpse of the fearless approach that has made him such an intriguing prospect. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sits next to India head coach Gautam Gambhir. (Image: PTI)

For now, the Bihar youngster remains behind more experienced options like Sanju Samson in the pecking order. But his ability to clear the ropes with such ease ensured he was one of the most closely watched players during training.

The attention surrounding Sooryavanshi also reflects the growing expectations surrounding the teenager who is rapidly rising in the rankings. Each appearance in the senior Indian team offers him another chance to familiarize himself with the environment and learn alongside established international players.

KISHAN IS ENJOYING HOME

The session also featured a strong display from Ishan Kishan, with the local favorite lighting up the side net with his trademark aggression.

Kishan, the Jharkhand captain who knows the JSCA International Stadium complex well, spent considerable time taking on the spinners and sending several deliveries soaring into the stands. Ravi Bishnoi, Naman Dhir and Abhishek Sharma were among those who bowled to him.

Kishan batted alongside Samson, who initially opted for a more patient approach before opening up with some classy strokes of his own. Ishan Kishan plays a shot during practice in Ranchi ahead of the 2nd T20I against West Indies. (Image: PTI)

For Kishana, Ranchi provides familiar surroundings and plenty of reasons to be confident. He led Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title last year when he produced a stunning 101 off 49 balls in the final against Haryana as his team secured a 69-run victory.

His presence in India’s setup is also the result of an impressive comeback.

After losing his BCCI central contract and spending an extended period away from the national team following a disciplinary and domestic cricket controversy at the end of 2023, Kishan returned to domestic cricket and used the season to rebuild his career. Ishan Kishan has become indispensable in India’s T20I plans. (Image: PTI)

His performances eventually earned him a return to the Indian T20 set-up and he went on to play a part in the team’s World Cup campaign.

India will now turn their attention to the second T20I against the West Indies, with the Ranchi conditions offering the visitors another test and another opportunity for the hosts to strengthen their winning run.

For Sooryavanshi, the match could once again be about watching and learning from the sidelines. But if Friday’s training was any indication, the teenager is already making sure he can’t be overlooked.

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