Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fires subtle dig after altercation: ‘People don’t seem to know I’ve played 50 overs a lot’

Fresh off a breathtaking 94 off just 29 balls in the Tri-Series final, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a message for those who believe he is only a T20 player.

After powering India A to the title against Sri Lanka A and earning the Player of the Match award, the 15-year-old said his performance was the result of sticking to his plans and trusting the work he had put in behind the scenes rather than worrying about expectations.

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“I didn’t think too much, just wanted to make the most of the first 10 overs and execute what I had planned,” Sooryavanshi said.

The left-handed opener smashed the fastest fifty in List A cricket during his explosive knock, setting up India’s commanding victory in the final. Yet, despite the headlines generated by his aggressive batting, Sooryavanshi insisted there was no pressure on him heading into the match.

“There was no pressure, but I was trying to execute the plans that were not working. I talked to the coaches and worked on it in practice. Today, the plan was executed and the result came out on its own,” he said.

The youngster then produced the quote that quickly became the talking point of the post-match presentation when asked about the lessons learned during the tournament.

“I’ve learned a lot, but I’ve played 50 overs a lot. People don’t seem to know,” he said with a laugh. “Different conditions, different pitches, a little different to play, but it was fun and a good series.”

The remark appeared to be a subtle response to the perception that his success is limited to the shortest format, a reputation built largely on his exploits in the IPL.

It also came after a fiery moment earlier in the tournament when Sooryavanshi was involved in an on-field altercation with Sri Lanka A players. During that match, he was reportedly taunted with remarks such as “Go home, this is not IPL” before tempers flared between him and Sri Lankan cricketer Vishen Halambage.

Rather than engage in further verbal exchanges, Sooryavanshi delivered his response in the final. His blistering innings dismantled Sri Lanka A’s bowling attack, guided India A to the trophy and reinforced his belief that he can thrive in the 50-over format just as comfortably as he does in T20 cricket.