Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must be ready for bowlers' plans: Irfan Pathan
Synopsis
Irfan Pathan's warning is both a compliment and a reality check: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already done the hardest part — announcing himself on the world stage at 15. Now comes the harder part. Bowlers will have footage, plans, and traps. Whether the teenager adapts without losing his fearlessness will determine if this is a cameo or a career.
Key Takeaways
Irfan Pathan warned that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must now prepare for tactical plans opposition bowlers will deploy against him.
Sooryavanshi scored 14 off 10 balls in the second T20I before falling to spin.
Pathan praised the teenager for not abandoning his natural attacking game despite the dismissal.
India were assessed to be 20 runs short in the second T20I, with Pathan citing batting underperformance and bowling indiscipline at the death.
Jacob Bethell was identified as a key moment India failed to control during England's chase.
India face England in the third T20I on Tuesday , looking to level the series.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said that the real test for teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is only just beginning, warning that the 15-year-old must now prepare for the tactical counter-plans opposition bowlers will devise after his explosive entry into international cricket.
Pathan's Assessment of Sooryavanshi
Speaking ahead of the third T20I against England, Pathan urged the youngster to preserve his fearless batting instincts while sharpening his adaptability. 'He is a special talent, no doubt, but he needs to make sure he is ready for the plans bowlers will come up with against him,' Pathan said on Jio Hotstar. 'Like in the first game, if you want to step out against the spinners in England, it's not a bad option since the ball doesn't turn that much there, but you need to maintain your balance and not move too far away from the ball,' he added.
Second T20I: A Lesson in Staying True to Your Game
Sooryavanshi scored 14 off 10 balls in the second T20I before being dismissed by spin. Pathan, however, backed the teenager's approach, expressing satisfaction that Sooryavanshi did not retreat into his shell. 'He will be disappointed that he got out for 14 after facing 10 balls, so even in terms of strike rate, he fell a bit short of the standards he has set for himself. But I liked that he didn't shy away from playing his natural game,' Pathan said. He added that a 15-year-old competing in international cricket was not merely the biggest takeaway for India from that match, but for world cricket as a whole — calling Sooryavanshi an inspiration for 'a whole new generation of young boys and girls.'
Where India Lost the Second T20I
Pathan also analysed India's defeat in the second T20I, arguing the visitors were at least 20 runs short with the bat. 'From the position they were in, you would have expected them to score 210–220. Arshdeep, with those two early wickets, brought India back into the contest, but India needed to squeeze a bit more and bowl with greater discipline, especially at the death,' he said. He pointed to Jacob Bethell playing at a run-a-ball as a moment India failed to capitalise on, noting that a combination of batting underperformance and bowling indiscipline cost them the game.
What's Next: Third T20I
India will look to level the series when they face England in the third T20I on Tuesday. The series spotlight will remain firmly on Sooryavanshi, whose every innings is now being scrutinised by opponents and admirers alike. Whether he can evolve his game as bowlers load up their plans will define the next chapter of what is already a remarkable story.
Point of View
But it is also the easiest thing for opposition analysts to map and exploit. The spin dismissal in the second T20I is precisely the kind of footage rival camps will study. India's broader problem — being 20 runs short despite a strong position — points to a middle-order conversion issue that predates Sooryavanshi and will outlast this series. The teenager is the headline; the team's batting depth is the real story no one is asking about.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Irfan Pathan say about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Irfan Pathan said Sooryavanshi is a special talent but must now prepare for the tactical plans bowlers will devise against him. He praised the 15-year-old for not abandoning his natural attacking game despite scoring only 14 in the second T20I.
How did Sooryavanshi perform in the second T20I against England?
Sooryavanshi scored 14 off 10 balls in the second T20I before being dismissed by spin. Pathan noted that his strike rate fell short of the high standards he had set for himself, though he backed the youngster's intent throughout.
Why did India lose the second T20I according to Pathan?
Pathan said India were at least 20 runs short with the bat, having been in a position to score 210–220. He also cited a lack of bowling discipline at the death, with Jacob Bethell being allowed to play at a run-a-ball without sufficient pressure.
When is the third T20I between India and England?
The third T20I between India and England is scheduled for Tuesday. India will be looking to level the series following their defeat in the second match.
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi considered significant for world cricket?
At 15 years old, Sooryavanshi is one of the youngest players to appear in international cricket. Pathan described him as an inspiration for a whole new generation of young cricketers, saying his performances send the message that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level.
