Teenage batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is determined to put a difficult start to his international career behind him as India goes on to Zimbabwe in the opening T20I on Thursday.
The 15-year-old opener has also seen his profile rise significantly in the past four months. After a successful IPL 2026 campaign Sooryavanshi was able to get into India’s T20I team for tours of Ireland and England and made history in his international debut.
But he has also been hampered by challenges, modest performances and questions over his place in the playing XI.
But Sooryavanshi insists that his confidence remains intact.
“Yes, there have been several ups and downs in the last four months. It’s part of cricket, it will keep happening but I have to follow the process and give my 100 per cent for the team,” Sooryavanshi said at the BCCI.
From Record-Breaking Debut To Early Setback
Sooryavanshi did not appear in India’s two T20I series in Belfast, but made his international debut in the second T20I against England in Manchester.
The debut made headlines as he became India’s youngest cricketer and set up a new record for Sachin Tendulkar to become the all-time world’s youngest cricketer.
He remained in the playing XI for the next three matches but was unable to score a major score.
The teenager was subsequently left out of the fifth and final T20I after Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI. India eventually lost the series 0-4.
His omission drew criticism, with questions about how to handle one of the country’s most promising young batters. Sooryavanshi was visibly emotional after being left out of the team.
But he thinks the coaching staff helped him move forward.
“Whatever I want, the coaches are making it available and whatever practice I require I am getting that,” he said. “I feel very good, there’s confidence too,” he said.
Zimbabwe Venue Holds Special Memories
The upcoming series also takes Sooryavanshi back to a place of his young career that is key to his career.
Just four months ago, he played in India’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign at the same ground.
In the final against England, the teenager smashed a breathtaking 175 off just 80 deliveries to help India secure a memorable victory.
Having a senior international to go to the stadium made the whole day much more special.
“It’s a very memorable ground for me. We had played the U-19 World Cup final and won it four months back so it’s a very special ground,” he said.
Sooryavanshi believes that his experience of playing at the venue could help him if he gets another opportunity in India’s colours.
He said he got a good understanding of the pitch and conditions and would like to build on the lessons he learnt at the Under-19 World Cup.
The teenager has already played two matches at the ground and performed well in both.
Focus On Process
Sooryavanshi is refusing to look too far ahead with so much going on with his international start.
The young opener said he intends to trust his preparation, back his natural game and focus on making whatever contribution he can for India.
He is now one of the country's most watched young cricketers.
Now, as India begins their T20I series against Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi has another opportunity to show that early setbacks are only a part of the journey.
For the teenager who has already broken one of Sachin Tendulkar’s records and produced a historic Under-19 World Cup performance, the next chapter could begin at a familiar venue—this time in India colours.
