India’s interim head coach VVS Laxman has praised teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old’s maturity, understanding of the game, and ability to perform under pressure have improved dramatically over the past six months. Laxman’s remarks came after India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe, with Sooryavanshi playing a starring role throughout the series.
Outstanding Zimbabwe Tour
Sooryavanshi was one of India’s standout performers, scoring two half-centuries during the three-match series. He began with a blistering 18-ball fifty in the opening T20I and followed it up with a composed 81 runs off 49 balls in the final match. His consistent performances earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, finishing with 151 runs at an average of 50.33.
Laxman Praises His Growth
Laxman said the biggest change in Sooryavanshi has not just been his batting but his mental development. According to the coach, the youngster has become much better at assessing situations, learning from every game, and reviewing his performances.
He explained that Sooryavanshi carefully analyzes both matches and practice sessions, allowing him to improve continuously. Laxman believes this increased awareness has helped the teenager remain calm in pressure situations and succeed against top-quality international bowlers.
Learning From Earlier Setbacks
The Zimbabwe series marked a strong comeback after a difficult debut tour of England. In that series, Sooryavanshi managed scores of 14, 13, and 15 in his first three T20 Internationals before being left out of the fifth match. Rather than losing confidence, he used the experience as a learning opportunity and returned with far greater composure in Zimbabwe. Laxman said he was never worried about the youngster’s early struggles because he knew the player had the mindset and work ethic to improve.
Mature Innings in the Final T20I
Laxman particularly praised Sooryavanshi’s innings of 81 in the final match, describing it as a display of maturity. The Harare pitch was slower than expected, and Zimbabwe’s bowlers had clear plans to contain him. Instead of attacking recklessly, Sooryavanshi adjusted his approach, rotated the strike, and accelerated at the right moments. Laxman said this ability to adapt showed how much the youngster’s cricketing awareness has developed.
Fitness Still an Area to Improve
While impressed with his progress, Laxman noted that Sooryavanshi still has room to improve his overall fitness. At just 15 years old, he is still developing physically. The coach also highlighted the youngster’s commitment, revealing that even after picking up an injury while attempting a diving catch, Sooryavanshi wanted to remain on the field until the team physio advised him to come off.
Bright Future Ahead
Laxman believes Sooryavanshi has the talent, attitude, and determination to achieve great success for India. Having observed his progress from age-group cricket through the IPL and into the national team, the former India batter said the teenager has all the qualities needed to become one of the country’s leading cricketers in the years ahead. He expressed confidence that, if he continues to develop, Sooryavanshi has the potential to set new milestones in international cricket
