VVS Laxman Urges Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Improve Fitness for International Career

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Stars in Zimbabwe Series Victory

The 15-year-old sealed the 3-0 clean sweep in Harare with a brilliant 49-ball 81 in the third and final T20I, driving India to a 35-run victory.

His fearless stroke play on the international stage follows strong early-career showings, including two seasons with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Over the past six months, his maturity and understanding have grown noticeably, allowing him to handle high-pressure situations against top-tier competition.

VVS Laxman Identifies Fitness as the Next Major Hurdle

Laxman noted that maintaining a high level of physical conditioning is essential for a lengthy international career, particularly to prevent fatigue during extended innings. Improved fitness will also boost his speed between the wickets and sharpness in the field.

Commitment and Drive on the International Stage

Highlighting the young player’s drive, Laxman recounted an episode during the third T20I when Sooryavanshi sustained an injury while attempting a diving catch running in from deep square leg. Even after taking a hard knock, the batsman wanted to remain on the pitch.

VVS Laxman, stand-in India head coach, remarked that he is a very young boy who himself wants to get better in every aspect of the game, adding that even today, when he got injured while attempting a diving catch running in from deep square leg, he still wanted to stay on the field until their physio asked him to come off.

Laxman has tracked the teenager’s rapid rise closely over the past year through his responsibilities leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s talent development. Sooryavanshi previously excelled under Laxman during India’s victorious ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign earlier this year, topping the tournament run charts with 439 runs and securing the Player of the Tournament honor. The NCA will now work directly with the youngster to refine his conditioning through structured training regimens as he builds on his early international success.