VVS Laxman, India's head coach during the Zimbabwe tour, has expressed significant admiration for the cricketing acumen displayed by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over the past six months. Following India's 90-run victory, which secured a 3-0 series sweep, Laxman highlighted the teenager's ability to assess conditions and adapt his game. Sooryavanshi was named both Player of the Match for his 81-run top score and Player of the Series for his consistent contributions, which included two half-centuries.
Laxman noted that the youngster's performance was particularly impressive given the challenging nature of the large ground and the slow, ball-stopping wicket. According to the coach, Sooryavanshi effectively countered the specific plans laid out by the Zimbabwe bowlers. Laxman emphasized that the player's maturity has grown significantly since his breakout season in the IPL, where he was named MVP after scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.
Reflecting on their history, Laxman mentioned he has monitored Sooryavanshi’s progress since first encountering him at a Centre of Excellence camp two years ago. The coach noted that the team identified the talent prior to the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he excelled for India B. Since then, the teenager has evolved from a prodigy into an Under-19 World Cup top-scorer and an international debutant.
Regarding his development, Laxman highlighted the importance of fitness and managing the young player's workload. Even after sustaining an injury while attempting a diving catch, Sooryavanshi expressed a desire to remain on the field, a gesture the coach cited as evidence of his earnest commitment to the team. Laxman also addressed the player's early struggles in England, noting that he was not surprised by the bounce-back as he had already proven his ability to handle pressure during his IPL tenure.
Laxman concluded that while there are always minute skill adjustments to be made, Sooryavanshi possesses the right mindset and attitude to excel. Despite missing out on a century in the final match, the coach remains confident in the teenager's long-term potential to break records at the international level.
"So we know him in and out. It's not only the player, but also the person. When you know the person well, you understand what works for him and how to prepare him so that he's in the best frame of mind going into a match."
"He's got a long career ahead, and he has the attitude and mindset to improve every day. I'm sure he will progress and break all the records at the international level"
