Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international career may be just two matches old, but the 15-year-old has already found himself in an exciting rivalry with England pacer Jofra Archer. The Rajasthan Royals teammates have gone from sharing a dressing room in the IPL to battling each other in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and England.
Archer has enjoyed the contest after witnessing Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting during IPL 2026, where the teenage sensation dominated some of the world’s best bowlers. The England quick admitted he is relishing the head-to-head battle, which has already produced some entertaining moments in the series.
The young left-hander made an immediate statement on his T20I debut in Manchester by smashing Archer for a six. He repeated the feat in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, confidently dispatching another short ball from the England speedster over the boundary. However, Archer responded in style by dismissing Sooryavanshi for a quickfire 13 off just five deliveries, ensuring he had the final say in the latest chapter of their rivalry.
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Reflecting on the battle after the match, Archer said the contest is evenly poised and expects more fireworks over the remaining games of the series.
“Well yeah, I think it’s even now. But we’ve got another two games left and it could go either way, so may the best man win,” Jofra Archer said.
While Archer won his personal duel with Sooryavanshi, England also dominated the match. India suffered a dramatic batting collapse and were bowled out for just 76 while chasing 202, handing the hosts a commanding 125-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Archer starred with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 3/29 in three overs to claim the Player of the Match award. He also praised opener Phil Salt for anchoring England’s innings with a superb 70 off 44 balls after a cautious start.
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“It was really important. Knowing Phil, he would have liked to get going earlier, but I’m glad he didn’t throw his wicket away. Sometimes you aren’t going to hit every ball from the start. I’m happy he spent time in the middle, and hopefully he can carry that form through the rest of the series,” Jofra Archer added.
India now face a must-win situation heading into the fourth T20I in Bristol on Thursday, where another defeat will hand England the series. All eyes will once again be on the intriguing Archer-Sooryavanshi battle as the teenage opener looks to level the score against his IPL teammate.
