India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi credited a simple piece of advice from coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar for helping him produce a record-breaking innings in the Tri-Nation A Series final against Sri Lanka A. After a modest run of scores earlier in the tournament, the 15-year-old responded with a stunning display of power hitting, smashing 94 runs from just 29 deliveries and leading India A's charge in the title clash.

Sooryavanshi entered the final after scoring 117 runs across his first four matches in the tournament. While his aggressive intent remained evident through a healthy strike rate, he had been unable to convert starts into major scores. Recognising the youngster's frustration, Kanitkar reportedly advised him to stick to his natural game and avoid overthinking his approach. The simple message, "Play your natural game and don't think too much," proved decisive.

The young left-hander responded with one of the most explosive innings seen in List A cricket. He hammered 10 boundaries and eight sixes during his 94-run knock, scoring at a remarkable strike rate of more than 324. His assault included the fastest fifty in List A history, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls and surpassing the previous record of 12 balls held by Sri Lankan cricketer Kaushalya Weeraratne.

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Speaking after the match, Sooryavanshi revealed that discussions with Kanitkar helped restore his confidence at a crucial stage of the tournament. He said the coach encouraged him to trust his instincts and continue backing his strengths rather than worrying about previous performances. The youngster added that the support allowed him to play with freedom and clarity in the final.

Despite enjoying considerable success in franchise cricket, Sooryavanshi acknowledged that the conditions in Sri Lanka presented a different challenge. Slower pitches, greater assistance for spin bowlers and the demands of the 50-over format required a more balanced approach. He admitted that he initially tried too hard to force results, which affected his execution during the opening matches of the competition.

The final, however, showcased his ability to adapt while maintaining his attacking identity. Although he narrowly missed a maiden List A century, his record-breaking innings reinforced his reputation as one of India's most exciting young talents. The performance also demonstrated the value of clear coaching guidance and self-belief, helping Sooryavanshi transform a difficult start into one of the most memorable knocks of the tournament.

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