A proud father's words echo the aspirations of a nation as he declares, "Till he plays Tests, I won't consider him a big cricketer." This statement, made by Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, encapsulates the journey of his son, Vaibhav, a rising star in the world of cricket.
In a heartwarming conversation, Sanjeev shared his emotions after Vaibhav's century in the U-19 World Cup final. "He was full of joy, but I knew this was a moment to cherish. After this, he moves on from the under-19s, so I wanted him to enjoy it," Sanjeev explained.
Vaibhav's performance in the final was nothing short of spectacular. With a strike rate of 218.75, he smashed 15 sixes and 15 fours, an incredible display of power and precision. His knock of 24 off the first 24 balls set the tone, and he went on to score a breathtaking 151 runs off just 56 deliveries. This effort secured India's sixth U-19 World Cup title, a record-breaking achievement.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sanjeev, with lofty ambitions for his son, believes that true greatness lies in Test cricket. "Abhi toh shuruaat hai, abhi bahut aage jaana hai," he says, implying that Vaibhav's journey has only begun.
And this is the part most people miss... Vaibhav's success has sparked a sporting revolution in his home state of Bihar. His coach, Manish Ojha, receives messages from parents wanting their children to emulate Vaibhav. "Padhoge likhoge banoge nawaab, kheloge kudoge banoge kharaab," Ojha quotes, a proverb that highlights the importance of balance.
Vaibhav's impact extends beyond cricket. He comes from a state known for trendsetting, from Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha to Jayaprakash Narayan's Sampoorna Kranti. Vaibhav continues this legacy, setting a new trend with his blistering batting.
His stats in the U-19 World Cup final are impressive:
- Tournament tally of 439 runs in 7 innings, averaging 62.71, second only to Mayes.
- Highest score in an Under-19 World Cup final, surpassing Unmukt Chand's 111.
- Ninth-highest score in youth ODI history, with only one player scoring a double century.
- Six-highest individual score in Under-19 World Cup history.
- Record 15 sixes in a youth ODI innings, breaking his own record of 14.
- Century off 55 balls, the second-fastest in Under-19 World Cups.
However, Vaibhav's journey wasn't without its challenges. Before the semifinals and final, his scores were modest, and he struggled to convert starts into big scores. But his father's words of encouragement kept him focused.
"Cricket is a great leveller. The opposition bowlers work hard too," Sanjeev reminded Vaibhav. After a confident knock in the semi-final, Vaibhav called his father, a rare occurrence. "I consoled him, telling him his early blitz was crucial. Play your game, and leave the rest to God," Sanjeev advised.
Vaibhav's nature took over, and he delivered a match-winning performance. His coach, Manish, believes Vaibhav sets a high benchmark for himself. "Failures and not converting starts are part of the package. But when he finds his rhythm, everything becomes easy," Manish explains.
So, what's next for Vaibhav? Well, he burst onto the scene last year with a six off his first IPL ball. He became the youngest centurion in men's T20s, scoring a 35-ball hundred. In 2025, he recorded the fastest youth ODI century, and later that year, he smashed a 32-ball century for India A.
Sanjeev's advice to his son is simple: "Be humble, and keep learning. Yes, you scored a big century, but the goal is Test cricket. Look at Sachin Tendulkar; his humility and consistency made him adored worldwide."
Coach Manish wants Vaibhav to dominate the Ranji Trophy. "Bihar is in the Elite this year, and the BCCI has a program for him. But the real test is with the red ball. I'm sure he'll excel there too," Manish predicts.
Poll: Do you think Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the potential to become India's youngest international cricketer?
Comment below and join the discussion! What are your thoughts on Vaibhav's journey and his father's ambitious vision?
