India stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi believes Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the potential to develop into an all-rounder if he continues to show promise with the ball in the nets. With the Indian batting unit lacking dependable part-time bowling options, the team management sees value in nurturing players who can provide the captain with an extra bowling choice.
Although Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma can contribute with the ball, they have not been used regularly in that role. Suryavanshi, meanwhile, is not only an explosive left-handed batter but also bowls left-arm spin. The youngster has taken two wickets in first-class cricket after bowling 14 overs.
While he is yet to claim a wicket in List-A or T20 cricket, he has bowled a combined 13 overs across the two formats. Following his maiden senior India call-up for the Ireland series, he was also seen working on his bowling during net sessions ahead of the opening T20I in Belfast.
Joshi, however, stressed that Suryavanshi’s batting remains the top priority, with any improvement in his bowling likely to be worked on gradually alongside his primary role.
“I think the first thing is, let’s focus on his batting. He’s been sensational and I’m glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well.”
“Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I’ll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we’ll definitely and quickly focus on that,” he said ahead of the second T20I in Harare (via Times of India).
India had limited bowling resources in the series opener, with Shivam Dube serving as the fifth bowling option. The all-rounder completed his full quota of overs for the first time since the 2025 Asia Cup final, when he had stepped up following Hardik Pandya’s injury.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Scripts History With Record T20I Fifty
After enduring a difficult start to his international career in England, Vaibhav Suryavanshi bounced back in style with a blistering 19-ball half-century in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. The 15-year-old became the youngest player to score an international fifty and laid the platform for India’s successful chase.
Having snapped their seven-match winless streak with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the series opener, India will now look to clinch the three-match series when they face Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the same venue on Saturday, July 25.
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