Fifteen-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who created history by becoming India’s youngest international debutant during the second T20I against England, has thanked his supporters for their encouragement and vowed to represent the country with consistency and commitment in the future.
Sooryavanshi became the youngest cricketer to represent India across formats and also the youngest T20I debutant from a full-member Test-playing nation. He was included in India’s playing XI for the second T20I in Manchester on Saturday, making his debut at the age of 15 years and 99 days. In doing so, he surpassed long-standing records held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his Test debut at 16 years and 205 days (and ODI debut at 16 years 238 days), as well as Piyush Chawla, who debuted in Tests at 17 years and 75 days.
The young batter’s first international innings lasted just 10 deliveries, in which he scored 14 runs, including two sixes that showcased his aggressive intent at the highest level.
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After the match, he shared a social media story expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers for their support, while thanking the management for the opportunity to represent India. He also pledged to “give his best” in national colours every time he takes the field.
India elected to bat first and handed Sooryavanshi his debut cap in a much-anticipated moment, marking a new milestone in Indian cricket history. He managed 14 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed, while India’s innings saw strong contributions from Abhishek Sharma (43 off 24 balls, including eight fours and a six) and Shreyas Iyer (37 off 22 balls, with three fours and a six).
Ishan Kishan added 49 off 40 balls, building a 65-run partnership for the third wicket with Iyer. However, India suffered a middle-order collapse, slipping from 130/2 to 165/6. Tilak Varma provided a late boost with an unbeaten 24 off 11 balls, including a four and two sixes, lifting India to a total of 190/7 in 20 overs.
For England, Sam Curran was the standout bowler with figures of 3/33. In response, England suffered a dramatic start, losing openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler for ducks—marking the first time both openers have been dismissed without scoring in a T20I. Despite the early setbacks, England recovered through captain Harry Brook, who struck 39 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes, and shared a brisk stand with Jacob Bethell.
Bethell then anchored the chase with a match-winning 76 not out off 46 balls, supported by Tom Banton’s 39 off 32 deliveries. Their 67-run partnership steadied England before Banton and Will Jacks fell, briefly giving India a chance.
Bethell accelerated in the final overs, striking five fours and five sixes to guide England home in 19 overs alongside Jofra Archer (10 not out). England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with India still having three matches left to bounce back after the opening game was washed out.
