‘There have been several ups and downs’ – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opens up on recent struggles ahead of Zimbabwe T20Is

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Source:Ranjith Kumar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Young India batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has admitted that the last few months have been a rollercoaster in his cricketing journey. However, the 15-year-old stated that he remains confident and is focused on following his process ahead of India’s T20I series against Zimbabwe, which gets underway in Harare on Thursday, July 23.

Sooryavanshi enjoyed a meteoric rise after his exploits in the IPL, earning maiden India call-ups for the T20I tours of Ireland and England. While he did not get a game in the two-match series against Ireland, the youngster made his international debut in the second T20I against England in Manchester, becoming India’s youngest-ever international cricketer.

The left-handed batter featured in the next three T20Is but failed to make a significant impact with the bat. He was subsequently dropped for the fifth and final game after Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI. India eventually suffered a 4-0 series defeat.

Despite the challenging start to his international career, Sooryavanshi insisted he remains unfazed and is committed to giving his best for the team.

“Yes, there have been several ups and down in the last four months; it’s part of cricket [and] it will keep happening but I have to follow the process and give my 100% for the team,” Sooryavanshi told bcci.tv.

The teenage sensation also acknowledged that handling setbacks at such a young age is not easy but credited the support from the coaching staff for helping him stay on track.

“It’s an obvious thing that whatever I want [in terms of guidance and support], the coaches are making it available and whatever practice I require I am getting that. Feeling very good, there is confidence also,” he continued.

Sooryavanshi will return to a venue that holds special memories for him. Earlier this year, he played a pivotal role in India’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign in Zimbabwe, smashing a sensational 175 off just 80 deliveries against England in the final to guide India to the title.

The youngster said he is eager to draw confidence from that experience and make the most of his familiarity with the conditions in Harare.

“I’m playing on a ground where we won the Under-19 World Cup four months back and made history [and] to return to the ground and play here will be an altogether different feeling… really enjoying it. The pitches and the conditions here, I’ve got a fair idea about them when I last played here during the Under-19 World Cup. So, I will try what all I gathered during that tournament to apply those learnings during the matches now and do well.”

“I will back my practice which I have done so far and try to back my game… and whatever contribution I can make for the team I will try to give that. I have played two matches on this ground (and) it went well. I will try to carry it forward,” he concluded.

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