Teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received his first official India jersey, a moment he described as a long-held dream. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a video on Tuesday showcasing the delivery of the blue jersey to the 15-year-old, highlighting it as a highly anticipated event for the nation. Sooryavanshi expressed his profound emotions, stating, “Ever since I first held a bat and walked onto a cricket field to practise, I dreamed of this moment. … I cannot explain this feeling in words.” The video showed him unboxing the shirt, which featured his name and the number 03 on the back.
Sooryavanshi’s call-up to the India T20 squad includes tours to Ireland and England, as well as participation in the Asian Games. His selection follows a remarkable performance in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), where he dominated batting statistics. He is in contention to make his senior debut for India in the first T20 match against Ireland in Belfast on Friday. This potential debut could see him become India’s youngest international player, surpassing the record set by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days in 1989.
Sooryavanshi’s impact in the IPL
The spotlight has been firmly on Sooryavanshi due to his exceptional batting exploits in the IPL. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he amassed 776 runs, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. During the season, he recorded one century and five half-centuries, earning him the Orange Cap for the highest run-getter. His impressive form in franchise cricket has established him as one of the most discussed young cricketers in the country.
His arrival in Belfast has generated considerable excitement, particularly among the local Indian community. Despite initial disruptions to India’s preparations for the Ireland T20Is due to practice facility issues, Sooryavanshi’s first net session captivated onlookers. Members of the Indian community in Belfast turned out in significant numbers to watch the youngster train, eager to catch a glimpse of the emerging star.
During the net session, the 15-year-old appeared completely at ease, displaying fluent strokeplay and confidence. The left-handed batter showcased his trademark attacking strokes during an extended batting stint, appearing to be in excellent rhythm. The enthusiasm surrounding Sooryavanshi has extended beyond the players, with some fans seen taking selfies with Romi Bhinder, who was appointed as Sooryavanshi’s guardian by the Rajasthan Royals during his rapid ascent through the ranks. Bhinder has been a consistent presence around the youngster, accompanying him and representatives from the Royals as they monitor his progress on the international stage. He was also seen entering the Indian team hotel with the teenager’s parents.
Practice facility concerns addressed
India’s preparations for the opening T20 International against Ireland faced an initial setback on Thursday due to sub-standard practice facilities upon the team’s arrival in Belfast. The team management expressed dissatisfaction after discovering that one of the practice strips lacked a sightscreen behind the bowler’s arm, which made it challenging for batters to pick up the ball. A BCCI source confirmed, “Yes, there has been some issues with practice facilities but Indian team’s support staff have brought this to notice of Irish officials.”
The issue was promptly brought to the attention of Cricket Ireland officials by India’s operations manager, who discussed the matter with the hosts. The necessary arrangements were subsequently rectified, allowing the practice session to proceed smoothly. Once the logistical hiccup was resolved, attention quickly shifted to Sooryavanshi, the youngest member of the touring party, whose presence continued to command attention throughout the session under pleasant Belfast conditions.
The city of Belfast, not typically accustomed to such cricket frenzy, has witnessed unusual excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival. The enthusiasm among Non-Resident Indians has been particularly notable, with many keen to secure photographs and autographs from the young cricketer. Sooryavanshi has found himself at the centre of attention wherever the team has travelled, seemingly unfazed by the growing expectations that accompany his every appearance.
Source: aljazeera.com
