India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says his confidence has grown after becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in international cricket during the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PC: IANS)
India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says his confidence has grown after becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in international cricket during the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.
The 15-year-old produced a sensational knock of 50 off just 19 balls, reaching the milestone in only 18 deliveries. His innings included four fours and four sixes and laid the foundation for India’s comfortable victory in the series opener.
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Speaking after the match, Sooryavanshi said getting such an innings early in his international career has given him a big confidence boost.
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“When it’s the starting phase of your career, and you get these kinds of innings early on, and you perform well, it builds confidence for the upcoming matches,” Sooryavanshi told BCCI.tv.
“It felt like I was in my zone and I just backed my strengths. That was all,” he added.
The young batter also dedicated his maiden international fifty to the people who have supported him throughout his journey.
“I would like to dedicate this (fifty) to my family, my coaches, and to everyone who has supported me along my journey, through every good and bad phase,” he said.
The Bihar teenager also explained the celebrations he performed after reaching the landmark.
“I did that celebration for my mum, and the other one was based on a conversation with Rinku (Singh) bhaiya,” he revealed.
Harare has quickly become a happy hunting ground for the left-hander. Earlier this year, at the same venue, he smashed a record-breaking 175 off just 80 balls to guide India to the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup title.
Asked about his success at the Harare Sports Club, Sooryavanshi admitted he enjoys batting there but insisted his focus remains on contributing to the team wherever he plays.
“You could say that I like the vibe here,” he said.
“There are some grounds where you just love scoring runs. I’m not taking this for granted at all. I’m just trying to give my best, contribute to the team, perform well wherever I play,” he added.
India will take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, with Sooryavanshi hoping to continue his impressive start to international cricket.
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