India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has revealed that the team has put a clear support system in place to help teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stay focused on cricket and avoid distractions as he begins his international career. Speaking after India's victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I, Kishan said the dressing room is making a conscious effort to shield the 15-year-old from social media noise and outside expectations. The youngster scored a quick 20 off nine balls before being dismissed, while Kishan anchored India's innings with a match-winning 81 from 44 deliveries.
Addressing questions about Sooryavanshi's development, Kishan praised the opener's maturity and understanding of the game despite his young age. He said the teenager already knows how to approach batting and conduct himself both on and off the field. However, Kishan acknowledged that rapid fame and attention can create distractions, particularly for a player coming from a modest background. He explained that senior players are mindful of their conversations with Sooryavanshi and consistently encourage him to keep his attention on cricket.
Kishan revealed that the guidance is not limited to one player but is a collective effort involving several members of the Indian squad, including Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel and other senior teammates. According to him, the team's objective is to ensure Sooryavanshi remains unaffected by criticism, praise or discussions on social media. Instead, the focus is on maintaining a positive mindset, learning from every game and avoiding any drop in confidence if runs do not come consistently.
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The wicketkeeper-batter also described Sooryavanshi as a rare talent capable of changing the course of a match within the powerplay. He said the youngster's fearless batting style gives India the potential to score between 80 and 90 runs in the first six overs if he spends time at the crease. Such ability, Kishan noted, makes it even more important to protect the youngster from unnecessary pressure and allow his natural game to flourish.
Drawing from his own experiences, Kishan said he understands the challenges young cricketers face after achieving success at an early stage. He explained that the senior players want Sooryavanshi to avoid the mistakes they made during their formative years, whether related to mental preparation, lifestyle or physical fitness. He stressed that the team's role is to support the youngster like an elder brother and help him enjoy the game without being overwhelmed by external expectations.
Sooryavanshi had announced himself on the international stage with a blistering half-century in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe before falling for a brisk 20 in the second match. Although he could not repeat his previous heroics, India's convincing victory ensured the visitors strengthened their position in the three-match series. The management's emphasis on protecting the youngster's long-term development reflects India's broader strategy of carefully nurturing one of the country's brightest emerging cricket talents.
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