Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's maturity becomes VVS Laxman's biggest IND vs ZIM takeaway

VVS Laxman believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's greatest improvement has come in his maturity rather than his batting over the last six months. The India interim coach said the teenager's growing game awareness has helped him bounce back from early setbacks and flourish on the international stage.Sooryavanshi finished the three-match T20I series with 151 runs at an average of 50.33. (Image: Reuters)India's interim head coach VVS Laxman believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's biggest transformation over the past six months has not been his strokeplay, but his maturity. After the 15-year-old capped a remarkable Zimbabwe tour by winning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, Laxman said the teenager's game awareness had "skyrocketed", allowing him to thrive under pressure.Sooryavanshi finished the three-match T20I series with 151 runs at an average of 50.33, including a match-winning 81 in the final game as India completed a 3-0 clean sweep. The performances marked a stunning turnaround after the youngster endured a difficult debut series against England, where scores of 13, 14 and 15 saw him dropped for the final T20I.India vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I: Updates | ScorecardLaxman, who is leading India in Gautam Gambhir's absence, said Sooryavanshi's rapid growth has been evident both on and off the field. "What is really impressive is the way he's evolved as a person. The maturity level, the understanding, and the awareness over the last six months has actually skyrocketed. And that's why he's been able to handle tough situations."The former India batter also pointed to Sooryavanshi's rise over the past year, from the Under-19 World Cup to dominating the IPL before announcing himself on the international stage. "He played Under-19 World Cup and in a matter of four to five months, he dominated the IPL. We know how tough IPL competition can be.""Taking on the best of bowlers from not only India but around the world, the way he evolved, the way he progressed as an international cricketer and he showed what kind of potential and class and talent he has."LAXMAN BACKS TEENAGER'S TEMPERAMENTLaxman said he was never surprised by Sooryavanshi's comeback after the disappointing England series, insisting the teenager had already shown he possessed the temperament to excel on the biggest stages."Any IPL match is equivalent to an international match. At the age of 14 or 15, either you can be overawed by the occasion or embrace the pressure. I think he's taken the second option."The India coach also highlighted the youngster's hunger to improve, revealing that Sooryavanshi wanted to remain on the field despite picking up an injury during the third T20I."He's just 15 years old. He himself wants to get better in every aspect of the game. Even though he got injured, he still wanted to be on the field. That's the eagerness and the earnestness he has."'HE WILL BREAK ALL THE RECORDS'Sooryavanshi narrowly missed out on a maiden international century after falling for 81 in the series decider, and Laxman admitted the teenager was disappointed in the dressing room.However, the coach reminded him that many bigger opportunities lie ahead."He was disappointed not to get 100. But we told him this won't be the first or the last opportunity. He's got a long career.""He's got the attitude and the mindset to get better each and every day. I'm sure he will progress and break all the records at the international level. He's got all the potential and the ability to do that."Laxman added that Sooryavanshi is one of several exciting young cricketers emerging from India's talent pipeline, which he believes will keep the national team competitive for years to come.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Jul 27, 2026 10:07 IST