Sooryavanshi enters the title clash on the back of strong performance in East Zone’s semifinal win over Central Zone.
Ahead of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan heaped praise on his deputy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, noting that the teenage prodigy is remarkably smart for his age, possesses a great understanding of situational demands, and actively communicates game plans with older, more experienced teammates on the field.
Sooryavanshi enters the title clash on the back of strong performance in East Zone’s four-wicket semi-final victory over defending champions Central Zone. The 15-year-old slammed 92 off 81 balls in the first innings, and returned with a dazzling knock of 40 during the successful chase of 159.
His leadership qualities also stood out during the semi-final. When Kishan temporarily left the field for medical treatment, Sooryavanshi stepped up to take interim charge of the East Zone side. Showing maturity well beyond his age, he confidently marshalled the field and even nailed a critical DRS call that successfully dismissed Central Zone's opening batter, Aryan Juyal.
“To be honest, I feel Vaibhav is very smart for a 15-year-old boy. I think he knows what he's doing. He has been in this situation. I've heard him speaking to other players as well. I think he's very smart and he knows what he's doing,” Kishan told reporters on the eve of the Duleep Trophy final.
According to Kishan, the transition from three or four-day cricket to a five-day final won’t become an additional burden for Sooryavanshi.
“So, there's no doubt if he has played 4-day or 3-day cricket earlier, and this is a 5-day game, I think, end of the day, you just need to get runs out of him, and that is what he's willing to do. So, the most important thing is getting runs and just helping your teammates out. I think we have to keep it very simple when we are in these tournaments. So, I think he's doing a great job until now,” Kishan added.
The East Zone captain then highlighted Sooryavanshi's vital role in the semi-final win against Central Zone.
“Like, he played a very crucial role in the previous match where the wicket was not that good, but he played those extra shots which helped us, you know, getting that opening partnership which was very important while we were chasing,” Kishan said. “So, he's doing everything right for now, and if there's anything, I think we are there to always help him.”
After finishing the Duleep Trophy final, Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will join the Indian squad for three-T20I series against Afghanistan, slated to begin on September 13 in New Delhi.