VVS Laxman commented after Sooryavanshi’s unbeaten 81 powered India to a 90-run victory, securing a 3-0 series sweep. The youngster earned both Player of the Match and series honors with back-to-back fifties.
“Very mature. That’s what I really appreciate about Vaibhav,” Laxman said. “With every experience and every match, he understands, assesses and gets better. He reviews every practice session, not just matches.
“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.”
When asked about Sooryavanshi’s strengths, Laxman highlighted the teenager’s maturity, noting that his extensive experience allows him to constantly assess and improve. He was especially impressed with the player’s growth since his breakout IPL season, where he finished as MVP after scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.
“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,” Laxman explained. “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.”
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi goes airborne•BCCI
Laxman has closely followed Sooryavanshi’s development since first spotting him at a Centre of Excellence camp two years ago, where he served as head. Over that time, he has watched the player evolve from a teenage prodigy into an Under‑19 and IPL star, and eventually earn his maiden India cap.
“We know Vaibhav very well,” Laxman said. “Around two-and-a-half years ago, just before the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, we identified him during the quadrangular series in Vijayawada, 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].
“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.”
Laxman identified fitness as the area with the greatest upside for Sooryavanshi, while also stressing the need to manage it carefully given the player’s age of just 15.
“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”
VVS Laxman on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
“The one area we want him to improve is his overall fitness,” Laxman said. “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 added that he was not surprised by Sooryavanshi’s quick rebound from a difficult start to his international career in England, where he faced hostile short‑pitched bowling. Even in those early outings, flashes of promise were evident in scores of 14, 13 and 15.
“It was on expected lines,” Laxman responded when asked if he thought Sooryavanshi exceeded expectation. “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.
“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’s not going to be the first or the last opportunity he’ll 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.”
