India’s teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has spoken about the difficult early phase of his international career, saying he has experienced “several ups and downs” over the last four months but remains confident ahead of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, beginning on Thursday.
The 15-year-old, who has already become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer, acknowledged that setbacks are part of the game and stressed his focus on sticking to the process and giving his best for the team. His comments came in a video shared by BCCI, as India begin a new assignment after a challenging tour of England.
Sooryavanshi’s situation has drawn attention because of how quickly his international story has moved: from a rapid rise into the senior setup to being left out after a short run of matches. With a Zimbabwe series next, he also pointed to his familiarity with the conditions at the venue as a factor that could help his chances of featuring in the playing XI for the opener.
From record-breaking debut to being left out in England
Sooryavanshi’s path into the national side accelerated after what the report described as an “IPL blitzkrieg,” earning him selection for India’s T20I tours of Ireland and England. While he did not play in the two-match series in Belfast, he made his international debut in the second T20I against England in Manchester.
That appearance was historic: Sooryavanshi became India’s youngest-ever international cricketer, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. He then played the next three matches, but the report said he managed only modest scores.
He was subsequently left out of the fifth and final T20I as Sanju Samson returned to the XI. India went on to lose the series 0-4, and the decision to omit the teenage opener after just three innings became a talking point.
According to the report, his omission sparked criticism from several former cricketers, who questioned the team management’s decision to drop him so quickly. The story also noted that Sooryavanshi was visibly emotional after being left out of the final match, underlining the scrutiny that can follow a rapid rise at such a young age.
Addressing the last few months, Sooryavanshi said: “Yes, there have been several ups and down in the last four months (kaafi ups and downs aaye hain 4 mahine mein). 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.”
He added that the support around him has helped him deal with setbacks and refocus. “It’s an obvious thing that whatever I want (guidance etc), the coaches are making it available and whatever practice I require I am getting that. Feeling very good, there is confidence also,” he said.
Beyond the immediate selection conversation, Sooryavanshi also highlighted why the upcoming Zimbabwe series carries a personal significance. The report recalled his starring role in India’s triumphant U-19 World Cup campaign in February, when he struck a remarkable 175 off 80 balls against England in the final at the same venue, powering India to the title.
Calling it a special return, he said it was a “very memorable ground” for him, noting that India had won the U-19 World Cup final there just four months earlier. “To represent India is everyone’s dream and it’s a very special moment,” he said, adding that coming back to the ground to play again would bring “an altogether different feeling.”
Sooryavanshi also pointed to his understanding of the pitches and conditions from that tournament, saying he has “a fair idea” of what to expect and wants to apply those learnings if he gets the opportunity in the series. He said he would back his preparation and try to contribute as much as possible to the team.
Why the Zimbabwe series is a key chance for Sooryavanshi
After a difficult England tour and the debate that followed his omission, the Zimbabwe T20Is offer Sooryavanshi a clear opportunity to reset the narrative through performance and consistency. His comments emphasised patience and process rather than immediate results, while also underlining that his confidence remains intact.
With the series beginning on Thursday and Sooryavanshi highlighting his past success at the venue, the focus now shifts to whether he gets the chance to translate that familiarity into runs for India at senior level.
