Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s first Indian training session was overshadowed by poor facilities
India’s preparations for the opening T20 International against Ireland on Thursday did not get off to an ideal start, with the visitors met with inadequate practice facilities upon arrival.
But attention quickly shifted to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose first clean sheet with the senior national team generated considerable excitement among the Indian diaspora in this quiet Northern Irish town.
The Indian team management remained unimpressed after discovering that one of the practice strips did not have a sight behind the bowler’s arm, making it difficult for the batsmen to pick up the ball in the background.
“Yes, there were some problems with the practice facilities but the support staff of the Indian team brought it to the notice of the Irish officials,” the BCCI source added.
The matter was immediately brought to Cricket Ireland’s attention by India’s operations manager, who came through to discuss the matter with the hosts. The arrangements were subsequently fixed before the session sped up.
Once the logistical problem was resolved, attention inevitably turned to the youngest member of the expedition.
When Sooryavanshi first appeared in a clean sheet with the senior national team, he looked completely at ease despite the spotlight following his every move.
The left-handed batsman, whose exploits in franchise cricket have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country, showed himself in excellent rhythm as he fluently drove and played his signature attacking strokes during extended batting.
For a city not used to cricket frenzy, Belfast has seen unusual excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival.
Members of the Indian community turned up in significant numbers to catch a glimpse of him and the youngster found himself the center of attention wherever the team traveled.
The enthusiasm among non-resident Indians was particularly striking, with many eager to get photos and autographs from the rising star.
The frenzy surrounding the teenager has spread beyond the players.
Some excited fans were seen taking selfies with Romi Bhinder, Rajasthan Royals named ‘keeper’ Sooryavanshi.
He was seen entering the Indian team hotel with the teenager’s parents.
Bhinder, who was appointed as Sooryavanshi’s guardian by the IPL franchise during his rapid rise through the ranks, remained a familiar figure among the youngster and accompanied Royals representatives who followed his progress on the international stage.
As the session continued in pleasant Belfast conditions, Sooryavanshi continued to command attention, seemingly undeterred by the rising expectations that accompany his every performance.
– The end
Published on:
25 Jun 2026 21:44 IST