Sooryavanshi managed 42 runs in his first three T20Is for India in recent England series.
The 15-year-old made it to India's T20I series against England and Ireland thanks to his performance in the IPL 2026, where he made 776 runs with a strike rate of 237 with one century and 5 fifties. He also hit 72 sixes in the season, breaking Chris Gayle’s record for most sixes in a single IPL season.
Though he was benched for the Ireland T20I series and the first match of the England T20Is, Sooryavanshi made his much-awaited India debut in the second game in Manchester and broke Sachin Tendulkar's longstanding record as the country's youngest-ever international cricket player.
Sooryavanshi played the next three matches but only managed small scores, and he was pulled out of the fifth and final T20I when Sanju Samson returned to the XI. India lost the series 0-4.
His omission provoked criticism from numerous former cricketers, who questioned the team's choice to remove the youngster after only three innings.
"Yes, there have been several ups and downs in the last four months (kaafi ups and downs aaye hain 4 mahine mein). It's part of cricket; it will keep happening, but I have to follow the process and give my 100 percent for the team," Sooryavanshi told 'bcci.tv'.
Sooryavanshi was seen visibly emotional after being left out of the fifth T20I against England. However, he is expected to get more chances in the upcoming Zimbabwe T20Is, as Sanju Samson has been rested for the three T20Is.
Recognizing the difficulties of dealing with defeats at a young age, he stated that the support he received from those around him enabled him to move forward and regain his focus.
"It's an obvious thing that whatever I want (guidance, etc.), the coaches are making it available, and whatever practice I require, I am getting that. Feeling very good, there is confidence also," he added.
Harare Sports Club is the same venue where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hammered 175 runs in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2025 against the England U19 side.
"It's a very memorable ground for me. Just four months back, we had played the U-19 World Cup Final and won, so a very special ground. To represent India is everyone's dream, and it's a very special moment. I'm playing on a ground where we won the U-19 World Cup four months back and made history, and to return to the ground and play here will be an altogether different feeling... I'm really enjoying it," he said.
He also stated that, if given the opportunity, he intends to draw on his experience from the U-19 World Cup, where he previously achieved success.
“The pitches and the conditions here—I've got a fair idea about them from when I last played here during the U-19 World Cup. So, I will try all that I gathered during that tournament to apply those learnings during the matches now and do well. I will back my practice, which I have done so far, and try to back my game... and whatever contribution I can make for the team, I will try to give that. I have played two matches on this ground, and it went well. I will try to carry it forward," he added.
The three T20Is between Zimbabwe and India will be played on July 23, 25, and 26.
(PTI inputs)