Young Vaibhav Shares How Laxman, Ishan Boosted His Confidence Against Zimbabwe

India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi credited stand-in head coach VVS Laxman and teammate Ishan Kishan for playing a key role in his impressive performances during the Zimbabwe T20I series. The 15-year-old said the confidence and support from the Indian team management allowed him to play his natural attacking game without fear at the international level. Sooryavanshi ended the three-match series as the Player of the Series after scoring 151 runs across three innings, helping India complete a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe.

His performances included explosive knocks of 50 and 81, showcasing his ability to handle pressure despite being one of the youngest players to represent India in senior cricket. Speaking about his experience with the national team, Sooryavanshi said Laxman’s trust gave him the freedom to express himself on the field. The young batter revealed that the former India cricketer encouraged him to continue playing with the same fearless approach that had made him successful in domestic and franchise cricket.

The teenager said Laxman’s reassurance helped him settle into the international environment quickly. Instead of asking him to change his aggressive style, the coaching staff backed his natural instincts and encouraged him to play positively against Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Sooryavanshi’s rise to the Indian team came after a remarkable IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals, where his aggressive batting and maturity beyond his age attracted widespread attention. His performances in the franchise tournament played a major role in selectors fast-tracking him into the senior squad.

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The youngster also highlighted the support he received from senior players, including Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper-batter’s guidance and encouragement helped Sooryavanshi feel comfortable within the team environment and approach international cricket with confidence. Harare proved to be a special venue for the young batter. Earlier this year, Sooryavanshi had scored a stunning 175-run knock in the Under-19 World Cup final at the same ground, creating another memorable moment in his young career. He said the familiarity with the venue helped him maintain a positive mindset during the Zimbabwe tour.

India’s management had placed significant faith in Sooryavanshi despite his limited experience at the highest level. The decision paid off as the youngster showed composure while facing international bowlers and adapted quickly to the demands of T20 cricket. His performances also drew praise from Laxman, who said the teenager’s game awareness and maturity had improved significantly in recent months. The interim coach noted that Sooryavanshi’s ability to understand situations and handle pressure was a major reason behind his success.

The Zimbabwe series marked another important milestone in Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise. From dominating age-group cricket to making an impact in the IPL and now delivering match-winning performances for India, the teenager has emerged as one of the country’s most promising young talents. With his fearless batting approach, strong temperament and growing confidence, Sooryavanshi has already made a significant impression early in his international career. The support from Laxman, Kishan and the wider Indian team setup appears to have provided the foundation for the youngster to continue developing at the highest level.

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