ZIM vs IND: VVS Laxman Lavishes Praise On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

India’s head coach for the Zimbabwe series, VVS Laxman, was impressed with the cricket smarts that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi exhibited over the past six months. The former India batter and cricket legend Laxman was speaking after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi top-scored with 81 in India’s 35-run win that helped the visitors sweep the T20I series 3-0. Sooryavanshi was named the Player of the Match and the series for his twin half-centuries.

VVS Laxman’s praise and take on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s performance in the series

Speaking to reporters after the match, VVS Laxman said, “Very mature. That’s what I really appreciate about Vaibhav. With every experience and every match, he understands, assesses and gets better. He reviews every practice session, not just matches.” 

VVS Laxman further added, “What you saw today was a mature innings because it was a huge ground and the wicket was slow, with the ball stopping a bit. I thought the Zimbabwe bowlers had a plan against him today, and he countered that plan. It was a very, very mature knock from Vaibhav.” 

Asked about Sooryavanshi’s strengths, Laxman touched on the teenager’s understanding that comes from having already played as much cricket as he has. He was particularly impressed at how far he’s come since the breakout IPL season, where he was MVP for his chart-topping 776 runs at a strike-rate of 237.30.

VVS Laxman explained, “He knows his game. For him, as with anyone, it’s just about minute adjustments in terms of skill. But what is really impressive is the way he’s evolved as a person. His maturity, understanding and awareness over the last six months have skyrocketed. That’s why he’s been able to handle tough situations and perform under pressure against the best players.” 

VVS Laxman has had a ringside view of Sooryavanshi’s development ever since he first saw him at a camp at the Centre of Excellence, of which Laxman was the head, two years ago. Since then, he has overseen his development from a teenage prodigy to an India Under-19 and IPL star, followed by his journey to the India cap.

VVS Laxman said, “We know Vaibhav very well. Around two-and-a-half years ago, just before the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, we identified him during the quadrangular series in Vijaywada, where he was one of the top scorers for India B. Since then, he has been part of various camps at the CoE and then became the highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup 2026.” 

VVS Laxman further added, “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.” 

VVS Laxman on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fitness standards

The one area VVS Laxman saw a massive upside for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was his fitness, but he also touched upon the importance of managing it well given he’s still only 15. He said, “The one area we want him to improve is his overall fitness. He’s a very young boy. He himself wants to get better in every aspect of the game. Even today, when he got injured while attempting a diving catch running in from deep square leg, he still wanted to stay on the field. It was our physio who asked him to come off. That’s the eagerness and earnestness he has to contribute in every possible way to the team.” 

Laxman also explained he was not surprised at the way Sooryavanshi bounced back from a rough start to his international career in England, where he was roughed up with some short-pitched bowling. Even then, there were sparks in the three knocks that produced 14, 13 and 15.

When asked if Vaibhav exceeded expectations, VVS Laxman said, “It was on expected lines. Even last year, when he played for Rajasthan Royals for the first time, the way he handled pressure was impressive. I believe any IPL match is equivalent to an international match. At 14 or 15, when you’re playing in the IPL, either you can be overawed by the occasion or embrace the pressure. I think he chose the second option.”

VVS Laxman concluded, “So, I’m not surprised by the way this series has gone. He was disappointed not to get a hundred, but we told him it wouldn’t be the first or last opportunity he’d get. 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. He’s got all the potential and ability to do that.” 

It will be interesting to see how Vaibhav shapes up from here and improves his game in the upcoming assignments. But the words of wisdom from VVS Laxman will be valuable for a young player like Vaibhav.

Also Read: ZIM vs IND: Yashasvi Jaiswal And Shubman Gill Wrap Up Series 3-1 In Style For India In The 4th T20I