The saying “Bihar is not for beginners” often trends online, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey has added a fresh sporting layer to it. After guiding India to the Under-19 World Cup title, Vaibhav called his father Sanjeev Sooryavanshi and began with “Papa parnaam,” spoken in the distinctive Bihari way.
The conversation was short but deeply emotional. “When Vaibhav called, I couldn’t hold my tears back,” Sanjeev said from Samastipur. Hearing his son celebrate with teammates, he chose not to prolong the call. “He was jumping in joy with other boys. I told him that I would talk to him later because it’s a memorable moment. After this, he won’t get to play in the under-19s. He should enjoy the moment,” he added. Despite the euphoria, Sanjeev remained clear about perspective and ambition. “Abhi toh shuruaat hai, abhi bahut aage jaana hai (This is just the beginning, there’s a lot more to achieve). Jab tak Test na khele, kya bada cricketer (Till the time he does not play Tests, I won’t consider him a big cricketer).”
A Final That Rewrote Records
Vaibhav produced a breathtaking performance in the Under-19 World Cup final against England at the Harare Sports Club. He smashed 15 sixes and 15 fours at a strike rate of 218.75, turning the match decisively in India’s favour. His innings ensured a 100-run win and a record sixth Under-19 World Cup title for India. The knock became the highest score in an Under-19 World Cup final and one of the top innings in youth ODI history.
In Patna, coach Manish Ojha’s phone kept buzzing with congratulatory messages and unusual requests from parents hoping their children could follow a similar path. Reflecting on the change in mindset, Ojha referred to the popular saying, “Padhoge likhoge banoge nawaab, kheloge kudoge banoge kharaab,” noting that Vaibhav’s success is challenging old beliefs and encouraging families to support sport.
Learning Phases And The Road Ahead
Before the semi-final and final, Vaibhav had been getting starts without converting them into big scores. Sanjeev viewed it calmly. “Cricket is a great leveller. Saamne wala bhi toh soch samajh ke bowling karne aata hai. Wo bhi utni hi mehnat kar ke aata hai jitni Vaibhav karta hai.” In the semi-final against Afghanistan, Vaibhav’s quickfire knock boosted his confidence, leading him to call his father. “Papa, I am getting the start but I am not able to convert it. Har jagah shatak lagaye, is tournament mein abhi tak nahi aaya,” he said. Sanjeev reassured him to trust his natural game. “Jitna achha khelo utna hi jhuk ke raho (The better you play, the more humble you should be),” he reminded him. Coach Ojha echoed that balance, saying Vaibhav has set such high standards that even fifties feel ordinary, but “On the day he gets going, there is no stopping him.” With Bihar now competing in the Elite group, the next challenge awaits in red-ball cricket, where his real test is expected to begin.
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