Shreyas Iyer backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before Zimbabwe T20Is

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India captain Shreyas Iyer has backed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to respond strongly during the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after the teenager’s difficult introduction to international cricket in England. Iyer said before the series opener in Harare that the break following the England T20Is had given Sooryavanshi time to work on his mistakes.

“All the youngsters, I think, they have definitely practiced. There was a decent gap after the T20 series. So he must have rectified where he went wrong. So personally, I don’t have to give much advice,” Iyer said, according to The Times of India.

Sooryavanshi seeks a response after England setback

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entered the Zimbabwe series after modest returns in England, where he became India’s youngest-ever international cricketer. The 15-year-old was left out of the fifth match when Sanju Samson returned to the playing XI.

Sooryavanshi described the previous four months as a period of several ups and downs but said his confidence remained intact. The batter credited India’s coaching staff with providing the guidance and practice he required.

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“It’s an obvious thing that whatever I want, the coaches are making it available and whatever practice I require I am getting that. Feeling very good, there is confidence also,” Sooryavanshi said.

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Iyer asks young India squad to play without fear

Shreyas Iyer urged India’s young squad to play freely against Zimbabwe rather than allow criticism or fear of failure to shape its approach. India arrived in Zimbabwe after a disappointing white-ball tour of Ireland and England under Iyer’s captaincy.

“I don’t think they should fear failure because when you have such thoughts at the back of your mind, then you play to save yourself. When you don’t have that fear, you can get the best out of yourself,” Iyer said.

India travelled directly from England and had only one practice session before the opening match in Harare. Iyer acknowledged the limited preparation time but backed the squad to adjust quickly.

Iyer also said his own return from injury had strengthened his confidence and helped him deal with challenges on the field. The India captain said overcoming the injury period had made him more positive mentally.

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Harare brings back Under-19 World Cup memories

Harare carries positive memories for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi because India won the Under-19 World Cup final at the same venue earlier in the year. Sooryavanshi scored 175 from 80 balls against England in that final.

“It’s a very memorable ground for me. Just four months back, we had played the U-19 World Cup Final and won, so a very special ground,” Sooryavanshi said.

Sooryavanshi said he would trust his preparation and try to contribute to India if selected for the opening T20I. His familiarity with Harare provides context for the Zimbabwe series, although his place in the playing XI was not confirmed in the source report.