New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a significant mark in cricket history across various formats. As India gears up to kick off its campaign for the 2026 Men’s U19 World Cup against the USA at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Thursday, Sooryavanshi is determined to excel on this prestigious global platform.

The left-handed batsman's accolades resemble a highlight reel of a seasoned player, showcasing a 38-ball century in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals, the quickest 150 in men's List A cricket off just 59 balls, and an impressive 171 runs off 95 balls in Youth ODI cricket, marking India's second-highest score. His explosive 144 runs off 42 balls against the UAE during the Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 match further embellishes his already illustrious record.

However, it’s not just the numbers that stand out. Those who know him personally emphasize a crucial transformation that could play a pivotal role in the upcoming tournament. Manish Ojha, who spotted Sooryavanshi's potential when he was merely 10 and currently coaches him at Gennex Cricket Academy in Patna, 100 km from his hometown Samastipur, observes a rapid evolution in his gameplay since his IPL debut.

"I've noticed a significant change in his game awareness. He was once solely aggressive, but now he possesses a refined approach. After his IPL 2025 experience, his confidence has soared, and he’s capable of sending quality deliveries over the boundary. From the first ball, he applies pressure on the bowler, yet he can also pace himself when necessary," Ojha remarked during an exclusive chat with IANS.

"He now plays with a multi-dimensional strategy, exhibiting an optimistic mindset—being aggressive in T20s and 50-over matches while showing patience in longer formats. His maturity has increased, his shot selection has improved, and he’s honed his judgment on which deliveries to target for big hits. Even his sixes are now longer and more powerful," Ojha added.

With the upcoming U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Bulawayo, Ojha believes that the conditions will favor Sooryavanshi's natural style of play. "Playing on bouncy wickets will be a significant advantage for Vaibhav, as he can adapt his technique to the bounce those pitches provide," he stated.

“Everywhere he plays, be it in India, England, Australia, or South Africa, he has managed to score a century. His IPL performance was remarkable, and he excels at playing horizontal bat shots, including cuts and pulls, as well as upper cuts and slashes over covers and points," he elaborated.

Sooryavanshi demonstrates his ability to hit over square leg, mid-wicket, and mid-on, and he effectively executes shots against deliveries outside the off-stump. This gives him a considerable edge on bouncy tracks," Ojha continued.

Akash Raj, who made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar alongside Sooryavanshi against Mumbai in 2024, has closely observed his growth. "From our debut in the Ranji Trophy to now, Vaibhav has undergone significant transformations. His mentality and confidence are commendable, and he supports his game well," he said.

"He was younger when he joined the Bihar team, and while he’s still young, he has matured greatly. He now views situations from his perspective while still considering how he can contribute to the team by applying pressure on the opposition and easing the game for his side. He has a clear plan for managing his innings," Raj explained to IANS.

The changes in Sooryavanshi extend beyond the cricket field, Raj noted. "He has become very serious about his training and diet, being mindful of what he eats and maintaining a proper sleep schedule. I see a level of professionalism in everything he does now. He understands how to manage his weight and daily calorie intake effectively," Raj commented.

Batting alongside Sooryavanshi provides Raj with an exciting view of his remarkable stroke play, as witnessed when the teenager scored 190 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranchi last month.

"Batting with him makes the game much easier for us. Watching him from the non-striker's end is a joy, relieving pressure from our shoulders," Raj said.

Before Sooryavanshi departed to captain India in the Youth ODI tour in South Africa and the U19 World Cup, Ojha advised him on the significance of staying at the crease longer. "Our brief conversation revolved around converting starts into substantial innings and maintaining longevity at the crease," he said.

“This is advantageous for both Vaibhav and the Indian team, as his longer stays at the crease minimize pressure and keep the run-rate high. It maximizes the use of power-play, benefiting the team in the long run. However, when he gets out, the run-rate often drops suddenly, as others struggle to match his intensity and scoring speed. In many ways, Vaibhav acts as the backbone of the team, shielding them from the pressure of losing wickets and declining scoring rates."

As the global spotlight awaits him at the U19 World Cup, Sooryavanshi remains undaunted. "This tournament brings together the best teams, and it's an excellent opportunity for Vaibhav to shine brightly by playing for extended periods," Ojha mentioned, who traveled to Kolkata and Ranchi to see Sooryavanshi perform in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Raj's final message to his teammate was straightforward. "I just wished him good luck, and the rest of the Bihar team extended their best wishes as well. I believe Vaibhav will perform admirably in the tournament. He has the mindset to win the World Cup and is well-prepared for it," he concluded.