Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Calls Historic Zimbabwe Series a ‘Dream Come True’ After Record-Breaking Display

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said winning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series after India’s 3-0 T20I sweep of Zimbabwe was a “dream come true.” The young batter continued his stunning rise with another match-winning performance in Harare.

Sooryavanshi scored 81 off 49 balls in the third T20I after making 50 and 20 in the first two matches. His performances earned him both individual awards, making him the youngest player in men’s international cricket to win either Player of the Match or Player of the Series.

“It’s truly a dream come true moment. Getting my first Man of the Match and Man of the Series awards, I’m very happy,” Sooryavanshi said after the match.

The left-hander credited his comfort at Harare Sports Club for his success. He had earlier played at the venue during the Under-19 World Cup and said that experience helped him settle quickly.

“It felt really good. Our preparation was very good during the two or three days after we arrived in Harare. I also played the Under-19 World Cup here, so I really enjoy playing at this venue. Everyone backed me, the captain, the coaches, everyone, so I’m very happy,” he said.

The series also saw Sooryavanshi become the first player in men’s international cricket to score multiple 50-plus innings before turning 16. His fearless batting at the top gave India fast starts throughout the three-match series.

Explaining his batting approach, Sooryavanshi said he wanted to make the most of every good start.

“My game is the same as what I play in T20 cricket. In all three matches, I tried to give the team a good start. If I got a good start, then I wanted to make the innings bigger. That was my only approach.”

He added that there was no difference between his practice and match routine.

“The shots that I play are the same ones I practise. I just try to replicate in the match whatever I do in the practice sessions.”

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised the young squad for their fearless cricket and high energy throughout the series. He said the players continued to show the right intent despite playing back-to-back matches.

“As we saw how fearless they are, they are a young bunch of players who have been showing tremendous energy on the field and the intent. To have such kind of energy is what I require as a captain and as a team, and they could deliver today as well,” Iyer said.

He also said creating a relaxed atmosphere helped the youngsters perform at their best.

“So every time I step onto the field, I see to it that how I can make sure that they are comfortable and relaxed because that’s when you can get the best out of them.”