Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bounced back in style during India A’s tri-series clash against Afghanistan A in Dambulla, producing a sparkling 44 off just 22 deliveries after a disappointing outing in the tournament opener. The 15-year-old batting sensation had managed only 14 runs against Sri Lanka A, but he quickly put that setback behind him with an innings that once again showcased why he is regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents.
Opening the batting, Sooryavanshi took the attack to the Afghanistan bowlers from the outset, striking nine boundaries during his entertaining cameo. While his reputation has largely been built on explosive power-hitting, this innings highlighted another side of his game. Rather than relying solely on aerial shots, the youngster repeatedly found gaps through elegant strokeplay, particularly on the off side, keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace.
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His knock drew praise from former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was impressed by the teenager’s timing and shot selection. “Out! But 44 (22), absolutely entertaining innings, punctuated with some well-timed cover drives,” Ashwin posted on X. “We have seen his power, but today was anything but brute force. He is some player, this kid.”
Out ! But 44(21) absolutely entertaining innings, punctuated with some well timed cover drives.
We have seen his power, but today was anything but brute force.
He is some player this kid.🤩🤩 #vaibhavsuryavanshi #INDAvAFGA pic.twitter.com/Ul3plGh783
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 11, 2026
Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar echoed those sentiments, suggesting that Sooryavanshi’s game is well-suited for more than just T20 cricket.
“India A is in Sri Lanka, the pitch is not as flat as in the IPL and it’s not T20 cricket. So watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in different batting conditions, and I am excited,” Sanjay Manjrekar wrote. “He is not just your T20 slogger. He can be a one-day phenomenon too. Special talent!”
India A is in SL, pitch not as flat as in the IPL & it’s not T20 cricket. So watching Vaibhav Suryavanshi in different batting conditions. And I am excited!
He is not just your T20 slogger. He can be a one day phenomenon too! Special talent!— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 11, 2026
Despite his fluent start, Sooryavanshi’s innings ended in familiar fashion. Attempting a ramp shot against a short delivery outside off stump from Abdollah Ahmadzai, he edged the ball to wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. Ahmadzai was Afghanistan A’s standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 5/68.
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India A, however, continued to dominate with the bat. Captain Tilak Varma, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and opener Prabhsimran Singh all registered impressive half-centuries to power the team to 349/9 in a rain-curtailed 49-over contest.
Prabhsimran led the charge with 84 off 69 balls, while Gaikwad scored 66 from 80 deliveries and Tilak contributed a composed 66 off 73 balls. Their efforts ensured India A posted a formidable total and maintained control of the contest against Afghanistan A.
