New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) A straightforward WhatsApp message combined with a key suggestion to adjust his technique for dealing with bouncers became the game-changer for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's remarkable 175, leading India to their sixth U-19 World Cup championship, according to his childhood coach, Manish Ojha.

The 14-year-old left-handed opener delivered an exceptional performance against England in the final, scoring 175 runs from just 80 balls, which included 15 fours and 15 sixes. This outstanding display secured India a 100-run victory at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, marking their record sixth title.

Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Final award, a day after Ojha reminded him via WhatsApp that he had yet to score a century in this tournament and provided critical advice on rectifying a technical flaw that opposing bowlers had begun to exploit.

“This is a moment of immense pride and joy as Vaibhav played a spectacular innings that led India to World Cup glory, bringing the trophy back home. It’s a proud moment for all of us to witness such a talented young player shine on a grand stage,” Ojha expressed to IANS from his home in Patna.

As the Player of the Tournament, Sooryavanshi accumulated 439 runs over seven innings with an average of 62.71, consistently providing solid starts, but the century had remained elusive. “Before the final, I told Vaibhav via WhatsApp that this was the first tournament he had not yet scored a century. His records in all previous tournaments show he has always managed at least one century,” Ojha explained.

“Excluding the Ranji Trophy from his records, he has scored at least one century in all formats. This would have been the first tournament without a century,” he added.

“I spoke to him after the semi-final match against Afghanistan. I reminded him of this missing piece in his performances and addressed the technical issue of bowlers outsmarting him with bouncers outside the off-stump,” Ojha recounted.

The opposing bowlers' bouncers outside the off-stump limited Sooryavanshi’s typically strong pull shot, something Ojha quickly identified. “He usually plays the pull shot exceptionally well. However, sometimes what is your strength can turn into a weakness. He faced many bouncers outside the off-stump,” he noted.

“When he is attacked on the body line, he can execute a strong pull shot against deliveries pitched on middle stump. However, when confronted with bouncers outside off-stump, he tends to lean back and attempts to hit them with a bent back knee, leading to top edges or mistimed shots,” he explained.

“I advised him not to force shots on those deliveries. I suggested that if such a ball arises, he should remain upright, align his back knee with his body, and maintain an upright posture to gain control over his shot and direct it where he wants on the leg side,” he elaborated.

Ojha's bond with Sooryavanshi transcends the typical coach-student relationship. According to sources familiar with their dynamic, Ojha often becomes so anxious during Sooryavanshi's innings that he cannot watch the matches, only finding relief once the young player reaches triple figures, highlighting their emotional connection.

The two maintain regular communication, with Sooryavanshi returning to Ojha for training sessions whenever his hectic schedule allows, even if it's just for a day at Gennex Cricket Academy in Patna.

“Throughout this tournament, he has consistently started strong in every match, setting the stage for significant runs. His innings of 72 against Bangladesh was pivotal,” Ojha noted.

“However, it wasn't a monumental innings. He provided a solid foundation against Afghanistan, but that big score was still awaited. Yet, as the saying goes, 'Deir aaye, durust aaye' (better late than never) – in a final that attracted global attention, he delivered an exceptional innings,” Ojha remarked.

“By scoring 15 fours and 15 sixes, I believe there hasn't been a World Cup match where a player has hit so many sixes and scored so many runs in such few balls. As soon as he reached a century, I spoke to his father Sanjeev, who was extremely delighted,” Ojha said.

Sooryavanshi's 175 in the U19 World Cup final adds another remarkable chapter to his story, having become the youngest player to score an IPL century in 2025 for the Rajasthan Royals.

“This is a proud moment. It’s a dream come true for the player, coach, and parents. It’s incredible to see their son excel in this prestigious tournament against top cricketing nations. When the final arrived, he truly shined,” Ojha added.

“A knock of 175 is historic, but the way he executed his aggressive shots to lead India to victory was unparalleled. It was an extraordinary demonstration of batting not seen in decades.”

“Watching Vaibhav receive those trophies during the presentation ceremony was an emotional and proud moment for me as a coach from Bihar. To see one of our own elevate the Indian team to such heights in cricket is a source of pride for all of us,” Ojha stated.

He concluded by mentioning that although his protégé is still a teenager, the time has come for him to step beyond age-group cricket. “Following such an outstanding performance, he deserves a grand welcome. It’s uncertain when he’ll return home, as he might go directly to join the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming IPL season,” he noted.

“We will see how his schedule unfolds and when he can visit Patna. Regardless, he will receive a grand welcome. With a promising future ahead, the BCCI should consider bringing him into the senior T20I and ODI teams, as he has consistently showcased his potential and performed in a manner that makes matches look one-sided, which is quite unique.”