Sooryavanshi's maturity has 'skyrocketed' in six months - Laxman

Sooryavanshi's maturity has 'skyrocketed' in six months - Laxman

India's head coach for the Zimbabwe series, VVS Laxman, has praised the rapid evolution of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating that the teenager's maturity, awareness, and understanding have skyrocketed over the last six months.

The assessment followed the third and final T20I in Harare, where Sooryavanshi top-scored with 81 runs off 49 balls. His performance helped India post 192 for 5 on a slow surface and secured a 35-run victory to clean sweep the series. Sooryavanshi was named player of the series after also scoring 50 runs off 19 balls in the opening match, recovering from a lean tour of England.

Laxman described the final innings as a very, very mature knock, noting that the wicket was difficult and the ball was stopping and coming. According to the coach, the Zimbabwean bowlers had a specific plan for the youngster, which Sooryavanshi successfully countered.

The coach attributed this rise to the teenager's habit of reviewing every practice session and match. Laxman noted that Sooryavanshi possesses the ability to assess and improve with every experience.

From Under-19s to the IPL

The trajectory of Sooryavanshi's career has seen a steep climb. Laxman, who is also the head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), revealed that the team first identified the player about two and a half years ago. At that time, Sooryavanshi was one of the top scorers for India B during a quadrangular series in Vijayawada just before the 2024 Under-19 World Cup.

Following that period, he became the highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup. Within four to five months of that tournament, he transitioned to the IPL. During his 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi was the MVP, accumulating 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.

Laxman stated that the series performances in Zimbabwe were on expected lines because of the composure the 15-year-old showed during his IPL debut. He argued that an IPL match is equivalent to an international match, noting that Sooryavanshi chose to embrace the pressure of the big occasion rather than be overawed by it.

Development and Areas for Growth

While Laxman believes only minute adjustments are needed regarding the player's technical skills, he emphasized that the most impressive growth has occurred away from the crease. The coach believes the teenager's mindset and attitude will allow him to break all the records at the international level.

Despite the praise, Laxman identified overall fitness as an area where the player must improve. He noted that the team must keep in mind that Sooryavanshi is only 15 years old.

The coach highlighted the youngster's dedication to the team during the final T20I. While running in from deep square leg to attempt a diving catch, Sooryavanshi sustained an injury. Laxman said the player wanted to remain on the field, but the team physio insisted he come out.

Following the match, Sooryavanshi expressed disappointment at missing a maiden international century. Laxman said the team reminded him that he has a long career ahead and this would not be his last opportunity to score 100 runs.

The series victory also saw India reclaim the No. 1 T20I ranking.