Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Proves Versatility Beyond T20 Sensation

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is proving he is far more than a power-hitting T20 sensation after the 15-year-old impressed once again for India A in the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Sooryavanshi caught the eye with a sparkling 44 off just 22 balls against Afghanistan A on Thursday, continuing his rapid rise following a breakthrough IPL 2026 campaign. While the teenager narrowly missed out on a half-century, his innings drew praise for the manner in which he scored his runs rather than the final number beside his name. Unlike the batting-friendly surfaces often seen in the IPL, the conditions in Sri Lanka offered a different challenge. Yet Sooryavanshi adapted impressively, relying on timing and placement as much as aggression. His innings included nine boundaries and came at a strike rate of 200, notably without a single six.

That display prompted a strong reaction from Manjrekar, who took to X to highlight the youngster's versatility and potential in the longer white-ball format. "India A is in SL, pitch not as flat as in the IPL & it’s not T20 cricket. So watching Vaibhav Suryavanshi in different batting conditions. And I am excited! He is not just your T20 slogger. He can be a one day phenomenon too! Special talent!" Manjrekar posted on X.

Sanjay Manjrekar post

The former India batter's comments came after Sooryavanshi gave India A a flying start in a rain-affected contest. Opening alongside Prabhsimran Singh, the left-hander helped add 74 runs in just 7.1 overs for the first wicket, immediately putting Afghanistan A under pressure. The innings also showcased another side of Sooryavanshi's game. Rather than depending solely on brute force, he repeatedly found gaps with crisp strokes and well-timed drives, reinforcing the view that his game can translate successfully beyond T20 cricket.

His knock eventually ended on 44 when he attempted to ramp a short ball from Abdollah Ahmadzai and edged behind to wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. It was the second successive innings in which a short delivery outside off stump brought about his dismissal. India A nevertheless piled up a formidable 349 for 9 in 49 overs. Prabhsimran top-scored with 84, while captain Tilak Varma and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad both struck 66. Suryansh Shedge then provided a late flourish with a quickfire 40.

Rain interruptions throughout the day meant Afghanistan A were set a revised target of 294 from 38 overs under the DLS method. Chasing aggressively, captain Imran Mir remained unbeaten on 75 while Bahir Shah contributed an unbeaten 51 as Afghanistan reached 177 for 2 in 25.5 overs before another rain delay halted play. At that point, Afghanistan A were four runs ahead of the DLS par score, resulting in a four-run victory after the match was called off.