After a breathtaking performance that earned him the Player of the Series award, 15-year-old Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has opened up
about the pivotal role played by stand-in head coach VVS Laxman during the just-concluded Zimbabwe tour.
The young opener amassed 151 runs across three matches including explosive knocks of 50 and 81 helping a young Indian side secure a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep against the hosts at the Harare Sports Club.
Speaking after the conclusion of the series, Sooryavanshi revealed that the unwavering trust and clear communication from the team management allowed him to play his natural, aggressive game without any fear of failure on the international stage.
Fast-tracked into the senior national side following a record-breaking IPL campaign with the Rajasthan Royals, there were questions about how the teenager would handle the pressure of international cricket. According to Sooryavanshi, a pre-series conversation with the coaching staff made all the difference.
"Playing for senior India and winning the Player of the Match and Player of the Series, that dream has come true, and I am very happy," Sooryavanshi said in a video released by the BCCI.
He expressed deep gratitude toward the coaching staff, particularly VVS Laxman and batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, for their excellent man-management.
"The way our head coach, VVS sir, and Hrishi sir spoke to me before the matches, they discussed a lot with me about what I was feeling at that time, before the series started, what I was thinking, and what mindset I was in. They gave me a free hand and told me to just play freely and not overthink," the 15-year-old explained.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got Dressing Room Support
Transitioning into the senior Indian dressing room can be an intimidating experience for any young player. However, Sooryavanshi noted that the senior players made his integration seamless, ensuring he never felt like an outsider.
He gave a special mention to wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, pointing out that their shared geographical roots helped forge an instant connection in the camp.
"The seniors around me also make me feel that I am never alone or that I have just come into the senior team. It always feels like I have been playing matches everywhere in that way. And Ishan bhai, since he is also from Bihar like me, the vibe matches," Sooryavanshi added with a smile.
