Just four months ago, Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as the star of India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph at the Harare Sports Club. The 15-year-old produced a stunning 175 off just 80 balls against England in the final, powering India to a commanding 100-run victory.
Now, the youngster has returned to the same venue, this time as part of India’s senior squad. India are set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series beginning on July 23, with all three games scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is eager to create another memorable chapter at the ground. Speaking to BCCI.tv, the teenage batter said Harare holds a special place in his heart:
“Harare kaafi memorable ground hai mere liye. Chaar mahine pehle hum Under-19 World Cup yahan khele the aur jeete the.”
“India represent karna har kisi ka sapna hota hai. Kaafi special moment hai. Aur itne achhe ground pe jispe humne 4 mahine pehle history create kiya tha uspe wapas se aana aur khelna alag hi maja hai. Enjoy karenge [Harare is a very memorable ground for me.”
“Four months ago, we played and won the Under-19 World Cup here. Representing India is every youngster’s dream, so it is a very special moment. Coming back to the same ground where we created history a few months ago and getting another chance to play here feels amazing. We will enjoy it]”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Looks To Bounce Back In Zimbabwe
Suryavanshi’s first stint with the senior Indian team proved to be a challenging one. The teenage batter managed scores of 14, 13 and 15 in three T20Is against England, with India going down 0-4 in the five-match series. He was dismissed by Jofra Archer’s short-ball tactic in two of those innings.
Despite the disappointing outing, Suryavanshi remains upbeat and is determined to put the experience behind him as he looks ahead to the Zimbabwe series.
“4 mahine, jaise aapne bola, 4 mahine mein kaafi ups and downs aaye. But cricket ka part hai, life mein aisa chalta rahega. Apan wahi process follow karenge aur team ko apna hundred percent denge.”
Having previously enjoyed success in Harare, Suryavanshi believes his experience of the conditions will benefit him in the upcoming Zimbabwe series.
“I already have a good understanding of the pitches and conditions here from my last visit. I’ll try to use that experience in the matches. I’ve played two games at this ground, both went well, and I’ll look to carry that form forward.”
“I’ll back the work I’ve put in during practice and stay true to my game. My focus is to contribute as much as I can to the team.”
India head into the Zimbabwe T20I series on the back of a disappointing run, having suffered a 0-2 defeat in Ireland and a 0-4 loss in England under new captain Shreyas Iyer. Before that, Shubman Gill’s side also went down 1-2 in the ODI series against England.
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