After a rollercoaster few months, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi confident of a good show on familiar Harare turf
rajasthanroyals | July 23, 2026 9:59 AM CST
When Vaibhav Sooryavanshi last left the Harare Sports Club, he was carrying a trophy and a world of adulation. That was five months ago when his breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the U19 World Cup final against England made him an overnight legend. Now, he’s walking back onto the same turf, but this time in India’s senior colours, with something to prove.
The three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting Thursday, offers more than just another bilateral fixture; it gives Sooryavanshi a chance to reset. His senior debut in England earlier this month broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record as India’s youngest men’s international at 15 years and 99 days. Yet the runs didn’t flow; scores of 14, 13, and 15 showed glimpses but no big finishes, as India suffered a 4-0 whitewash.
But the teenager from Bihar isn’t letting that define him. “The last four months have had ups and downs; that’s part of cricket and life,” he says calmly. “We’ll keep following the process and give our hundred percent.”
Harare, though, feels like home. He already smashed 68 off 33 balls against Afghanistan in the semi-final here, before that final masterpiece. “I know the pitches and conditions well,” he says. “I’ve played two matches on this ground, both went really well. I’ll try to carry that form forward.”
His self-belief remains untouched, the same fearlessness that made him the youngest IPL centurion and Orange Cap winner in 2026. “I’ll back my game and contribute however I can,” he insists. For India too, this series is a fresh start after tough losses in Ireland and England. But for Sooryavanshi, it’s personal: a return to the scene of his greatest triumph, ready to write the next chapter.
The three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting Thursday, offers more than just another bilateral fixture; it gives Sooryavanshi a chance to reset. His senior debut in England earlier this month broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record as India’s youngest men’s international at 15 years and 99 days. Yet the runs didn’t flow; scores of 14, 13, and 15 showed glimpses but no big finishes, as India suffered a 4-0 whitewash.
But the teenager from Bihar isn’t letting that define him. “The last four months have had ups and downs; that’s part of cricket and life,” he says calmly. “We’ll keep following the process and give our hundred percent.”
Harare, though, feels like home. He already smashed 68 off 33 balls against Afghanistan in the semi-final here, before that final masterpiece. “I know the pitches and conditions well,” he says. “I’ve played two matches on this ground, both went really well. I’ll try to carry that form forward.”
His self-belief remains untouched, the same fearlessness that made him the youngest IPL centurion and Orange Cap winner in 2026. “I’ll back my game and contribute however I can,” he insists. For India too, this series is a fresh start after tough losses in Ireland and England. But for Sooryavanshi, it’s personal: a return to the scene of his greatest triumph, ready to write the next chapter.
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