Laxman backs Sooryavanshi after teen powers India to Zimbabwe sweep

Stand-in coach VVS Laxman praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s composure after the teenager struck 81 off 49 balls to help India complete a 3-0 Twenty20 series sweep over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Sooryavanshi’s second half-century in four days anchored India’s 192-5 before Zimbabwe were held to 157-7. Laxman said the young batter showed a level-headed approach on a slow surface, where he balanced his natural aggression with better judgment.

Laxman said, "Very mature. And that's what I really appreciate about Vaibhav," adding, "With each and every experience, each and every match, he understands, he assesses and he gets better." He also said the teenager reviews not only his matches but his practice sessions as well.

Sooryavanshi’s innings featured eight fours and four sixes and marked a strong response after a difficult start to international cricket. Earlier this month, he became the youngest player to represent India against England, but managed 42 runs in three innings during a 4-0 series defeat there, which followed a 2-0 loss in Ireland.

Laxman, who took temporary charge for the Zimbabwe tour in Gautam Gambhir’s absence, said he was not surprised by how the series unfolded, with India facing a side ranked 10 places below them. He said Sooryavanshi had been disappointed at missing out on a century, but the team reminded him that more opportunities would come.

"He's got a long career ahead, and he has the attitude and mindset to improve every day," Laxman said.