India interim head coach VVS Laxman has praised young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his remarkable growth and ability to handle pressure at an early stage of his international career. The 15-year-old batter impressed during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours as India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep. Sooryavanshi played a key role in India’s 35-run victory in the third T20I, scoring a match-winning 81 that provided the foundation for the team’s total. His consistent performances across the series helped him finish with 151 runs from three innings at an average of 50.33, making him one of the standout performers of the tour.
Speaking after the match, Laxman highlighted the teenager’s development over the past six months, saying his game awareness and maturity had improved significantly. He said Sooryavanshi’s ability to understand situations and respond calmly under pressure had been one of the most impressive aspects of his progress. "What is really impressive is the way he's evolved as a person. The maturity level, the understanding, and the awareness over the last six months has actually skyrocketed. And that's why he's been able to handle tough situations," Laxman said during the post-match press conference.
The praise comes after Sooryavanshi bounced back strongly from a difficult start to his international career. During India’s T20I series against England, the young batter struggled to make an impact, scoring 13, 14 and 15 in his three appearances. He was subsequently left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final match of the series, where India suffered a 0-4 defeat. However, the teenager quickly turned things around and demonstrated his ability to learn from setbacks. Laxman pointed to Sooryavanshi’s performances in youth cricket and the Indian Premier League as evidence of his rapid development.
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The coach noted that competing in high-pressure tournaments had helped the youngster build confidence and improve his decision-making. "He played Under-19 World Cup and in a matter of four to five months, he dominated the IPL. We know how tough IPL competition can be," Laxman said, highlighting the challenges involved in performing consistently against experienced international-level players. Sooryavanshi’s rise has attracted significant attention in Indian cricket, with many viewing him as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
His aggressive batting style, ability to score quickly and composure against quality bowling have made him a player to watch in the future. The Zimbabwe series also provided an important opportunity for India to test emerging players as part of their preparations for future T20 challenges. Sooryavanshi’s performances strengthened his case for continued opportunities, while also showing the value of backing young players through difficult phases.
Laxman said the teenager’s attitude and willingness to improve have been key factors behind his progress. While acknowledging that there will be challenges ahead, he expressed confidence that Sooryavanshi’s growing understanding of the game will help him succeed at the highest level. With a Player of the Series award and a memorable tour behind him, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken another major step in his promising cricket journey. His ability to respond after early setbacks has reinforced the belief that he could become an important part of India’s future T20 plans.
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