Harare: Ishan Kishan discusses shielding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from external pressures
Team India’s focus on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s development
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has highlighted the collective effort by the team to support 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, particularly in managing the attention that comes with early success in international cricket. Kishan spoke after India’s 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Harare, where he praised the young player’s understanding of the game.
Kishan explained that while Vaibhav is intelligent and understands his approach to batting, his conduct on and off the field, the distractions from his background and social circles can be significant. Kishan, having experienced a similar journey, emphasized the importance of focusing on cricket when representing India. He noted that he, along with teammates like Abhishek and Axar bhai, and others who interact with Vaibhav, strive to keep his focus primarily on the sport.
The goal is to ensure Vaibhav concentrates on cricket rather than external factors such as social media or other outside influences. This includes preventing his body language from being affected if he experiences a period of low scores. Kishan stressed that the team’s role is to help Vaibhav avoid the pitfalls that can arise from early fame and to keep him grounded.
Navigating early career challenges
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi first gained prominence during IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals (RR). He later made his senior India debut in the T20I series against England in England. During that series, the young batter scored 42 runs across three matches. However, he made a strong comeback in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, where he scored an 18-ball 50, which included four fours and four sixes. In the subsequent second T20I, he contributed 20 runs from nine balls.
Kishan reiterated the team’s desire for Vaibhav to enjoy the game without being burdened by external pressures. He explained that having a player of Vaibhav’s caliber, especially at a young age, necessitates protecting him from negative distractions. The team’s collective effort aims to ensure Vaibhav remains happy and focused on the essential aspects of his game, learning from the mistakes that senior players might have made in their own early careers.
Vaibhav’s maiden India call-up for the T20I series against Ireland in June followed an impressive IPL 2026 season, where he secured the Orange Cap by scoring 776 runs in 16 matches. This strong performance highlighted his potential, making the team’s protective approach even more crucial.
Kishan further elaborated on the importance of keeping Vaibhav focused, stating that if a player like him stays at the crease and hits from the first ball, it can significantly impact the team’s performance, potentially leading to scores of 80–90 runs within the first six overs of the powerplay. This demonstrates the high regard the team has for his abilities and the potential he holds for India’s future.
The wicketkeeper-batter underlined that he and Vaibhav share a common background, which strengthens their bond. He views Vaibhav like a younger brother and is committed to helping him avoid common early career missteps, whether related to mindset or physical fitness. The primary objective is to foster an environment where Vaibhav can continue to enjoy his cricket, just as he is currently doing.
Source: livemint.com
