VVS Laxman, India head coach for Zimbabwe tour, says teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has matured a lot but must improve his overall fitness. The statement comes after Sooryavanshi helped India beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the third and final T20I of the series which the world champions won 3-0. The 15-year-old scored 81 off 49 balls and was named Player of the Match for his performance. Sooryavanshi had also hit a fifty in the first T20I as well and was named Player of the Series for 151 runs in three matches.<h2>Laxman shares improvement area for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi</h2>Laxman has seen Vaibhav from close quarters in the last 2-3 years including at BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). The teenage batter got his India call up after impressing in his breakout IPL 2026 where he won the Orange Cap (most runs by a player in the tournament) for 776 runs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-test-injury-woes-hit-india-as-washington-sundar-doubtful-jasprit-bumrah-under-watch-saransh-jain-in-line-for-maiden-call-up-1785068392291">IND vs SL Test series: Washington Sundar doubtful, Jasprit Bumrah under watch</a>Laxman, while impressed with Sooryavanshi's growth, says: "The one area we want him to improve is his overall fitness. He's a very young boy. He himself wants to get better in every aspect of the game. Even today, when he got injured [while attempting a diving catch running in from deep square leg], he still wanted to stay on the field. It was our physio who asked him to come off. That's the eagerness and earnestness he has to contribute in every possible way to the team."<h2>What next for India and Sooryavanshi?</h2>India next play two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and Vaibhav is not expected to be a part of it. After the Sri Lanka tour, India host West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is before heading to New Zealand for a full tour of five ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests. Sooryavanshi might find a place in India T20I squad against West Indies at home and his performance ix expected to decide a place in New Zealand tour squad.

Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Series in IND vs ZIM three-T20I series for 151 runs including 81 in the final match.

VVS Laxman, India head coach for Zimbabwe tour, says teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has matured a lot but must improve his overall fitness. The statement comes after Sooryavanshi helped India beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the third and final T20I of the series which the world champions won 3-0. The 15-year-old scored 81 off 49 balls and was named Player of the Match for his performance. Sooryavanshi had also hit a fifty in the first T20I as well and was named Player of the Series for 151 runs in three matches. Laxman shares improvement area for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Laxman has seen Vaibhav from close quarters in the last 2-3 years including at BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). The teenage batter got his India call up after impressing in his breakout IPL 2026 where he won the Orange Cap (most runs by a player in the tournament) for 776 runs. Also Read - IND vs SL Test series: Washington Sundar doubtful, Jasprit Bumrah under watch Laxman, while impressed with Sooryavanshi's growth, says: "The one area we want him to improve is his overall fitness. He's a very young boy. He himself wants to get better in every aspect of the game. Even today, when he got injured [while attempting a diving catch running in from deep square leg], he still wanted to stay on the field. It was our physio who asked him to come off. That's the eagerness and earnestness he has to contribute in every possible way to the team." What next for India and Sooryavanshi? India next play two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and Vaibhav is not expected to be a part of it. After the Sri Lanka tour, India host West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is before heading to New Zealand for a full tour of five ODIs, five T20Is, and two Tests. Sooryavanshi might find a place in India T20I squad against West Indies at home and his performance ix expected to decide a place in New Zealand tour squad.

Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Series in IND vs ZIM three-T20I series for 151 runs including 81 in the final match.

IND vs ZIM: Laxman wants Sooryavanshi 'to improve his overall fitness'

India have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings after beating Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series on Saturday (Jul 25). The 2026 T20 World Cup champions moved back to the top after briefly dropping to second following their 0-4 T20I series defeat to England earlier this month. Both India and England are tied on 268 rating points, but India sit above England after the decimal-point calculation in the ICC rankings.<h3>Ishan Kishan goes past Virat Kohli</h3>Batting first at the Harare Sports Club, India posted a commanding 219/5 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan led the scoring with 81, while vice-captain Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on a quickfire 60 off just 29 deliveries.&nbsp;Ishan’s knock also took his tally to 783 runs in 22 T20Is in 2026, helping him move past Virat Kohli’s record of 781 runs in a calendar year, which the former India captain set in 20 T20Is in 2022.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tim-david-reacts-after-controversial-dismissal-against-usman-tariq-1785044586909">WATCH | Tim David reacts after controversial dismissal against Usman Tariq</a>&nbsp;Only Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma are now ahead of Ishan among Indian batters with the most T20I runs in a calendar year. Suryakumar scored 1,164 runs in 31 matches in 2022, while Abhishek made 859 runs in 21 T20Is in 2025.&nbsp;After winning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning innings, Ishan now has another milestone in sight, as he can surpass Abhishek’s tally if he scores enough runs in the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe on Sunday (Jul 26).&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2026-sachin-siwach-advances-women-s-lawn-bowls-pair-shine-1785041928312">CWG 2026: Sachin Siwach advances, women’s lawn bowls pair shine</a>&nbsp;Ishan has also scored 370 runs in 12 T20Is this year as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. He needs 67 more runs in the series finale to overtake Sanju Samson’s record of 436 runs, the highest by an Indian designated wicketkeeper-batter in a calendar year. Samson achieved the feat in 12 T20Is during the 2024 season.

India have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I team rankings just two weeks after slipping to second place following their 0-4 series defeat to England. 

India have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings after beating Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series on Saturday (Jul 25). The 2026 T20 World Cup champions moved back to the top after briefly dropping to second following their 0-4 T20I series defeat to England earlier this month. Both India and England are tied on 268 rating points, but India sit above England after the decimal-point calculation in the ICC rankings. Ishan Kishan goes past Virat Kohli Batting first at the Harare Sports Club, India posted a commanding 219/5 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan led the scoring with 81, while vice-captain Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on a quickfire 60 off just 29 deliveries. Ishan’s knock also took his tally to 783 runs in 22 T20Is in 2026, helping him move past Virat Kohli’s record of 781 runs in a calendar year, which the former India captain set in 20 T20Is in 2022. Also Read - WATCH | Tim David reacts after controversial dismissal against Usman Tariq Only Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma are now ahead of Ishan among Indian batters with the most T20I runs in a calendar year. Suryakumar scored 1,164 runs in 31 matches in 2022, while Abhishek made 859 runs in 21 T20Is in 2025. After winning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning innings, Ishan now has another milestone in sight, as he can surpass Abhishek’s tally if he scores enough runs in the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe on Sunday (Jul 26). Also Read - CWG 2026: Sachin Siwach advances, women’s lawn bowls pair shine Ishan has also scored 370 runs in 12 T20Is this year as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. He needs 67 more runs in the series finale to overtake Sanju Samson’s record of 436 runs, the highest by an Indian designated wicketkeeper-batter in a calendar year. Samson achieved the feat in 12 T20Is during the 2024 season.

India have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I team rankings just two weeks after slipping to second place following their 0-4 series defeat to England.&nbsp;

India regain No.1 spot in ICC T20I team rankings

India will face Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I of the series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday (Jul 26). Led by Shreyas Iyer, the visitors have already sealed the series 2-0, while Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe will be aiming to avoid a whitewash and finish the campaign on a positive note.&nbsp;India have dominated the series with commanding performances in both departments. In the second T20I, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma struck fluent half-centuries to power the visitors to a formidable total before the bowlers combined effectively to keep Zimbabwe well short of the target.&nbsp;With the series finale approaching, here's a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lebron-james-signs-with-philadelphia-76ers-eyes-one-last-nba-championship-1784917209099">LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers, eyes one last NBA championship</a><h2>IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I: Match Details</h2><h2>When will the IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I be played?</h2>The third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Sunday (26 Jul, 2026). The toss will take place at 4:00 pm IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hungarian-grand-prix-lando-norris-denies-lewis-hamilton-record-10th-pole-in-thrilling-finish-1785001712365">Hungarian Grand Prix: Lando Norris denies Lewis Hamilton record 10th pole in thrilling finish</a><h2>Where is the match being played?</h2>The match will be held at at Harare Sports Club in Harare.<h2>Where can fans watch the match on television?</h2>The live telecast of the third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on Unite8 Sports in India.<h2>Where to livestream IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I?</h2>The livestream of the third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on the FanCode app and website.<h2>Squads</h2>India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh and Rinku Singh&nbsp;Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga

As the crucial T20I clash between India and Zimbabwe approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

India will face Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I of the series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday (Jul 26). Led by Shreyas Iyer, the visitors have already sealed the series 2-0, while Sikandar Raza's Zimbabwe will be aiming to avoid a whitewash and finish the campaign on a positive note. India have dominated the series with commanding performances in both departments. In the second T20I, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma struck fluent half-centuries to power the visitors to a formidable total before the bowlers combined effectively to keep Zimbabwe well short of the target. With the series finale approaching, here's a look at the live streaming details for fans in India. Also Read - LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers, eyes one last NBA championship IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I: Match Details When will the IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I be played? The third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Sunday (26 Jul, 2026). The toss will take place at 4:00 pm IST. Also Read - Hungarian Grand Prix: Lando Norris denies Lewis Hamilton record 10th pole in thrilling finish Where is the match being played? The match will be held at at Harare Sports Club in Harare. Where can fans watch the match on television? The live telecast of the third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on Unite8 Sports in India. Where to livestream IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I? The livestream of the third T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on the FanCode app and website. Squads India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh and Rinku Singh Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga

As the crucial T20I clash between India and Zimbabwe approaches, here’s a look at the live streaming details for fans in India.

IND vs ZIM, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

India will look to seal the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe when the two teams meet in the second game at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday (Jul 25). Led by Shreyas Iyer, India took a 1-0 lead after registering a comfortable seven-wicket win in the series opener on Thursday. The victory was an important one for the three-time T20 World Cup champions, who had gone winless on their recent tours of Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4).&nbsp;&nbsp;Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a record-breaking 19-ball half-century, becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I fifty. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav also made an impressive comeback after nearly two years out with injury, claiming 2/18.&nbsp;Ishan Kishan scored a quick 35, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 as India chased down the 126-run target with more than six overs left.&nbsp;Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will now face a must-win match to keep the series alive ahead of Sunday's final T20I.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lebron-james-signs-with-philadelphia-76ers-eyes-one-last-nba-championship-1784917209099">LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers, eyes one last NBA championship</a><h2>IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I: Match Details</h2><h2>When will the IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I be played?</h2>The second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Saturday (25 Jul, 2026). The toss will take place at 4:00 pm IST.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-my-all-time-favourite-players-jos-buttler-s-heartfelt-message-after-getting-rohit-sharma-s-signed-jersey-1784908019865">Jos Buttler shares heartfelt message after getting Rohit Sharma's signed jersey</a><h2>Where is the match being played?</h2>The match will be held at at Harare Sports Club in Harare.<h2>Where can fans watch the match on television?</h2>The live telecast of the second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on Unite8 Sports in India.<h2>Where to livestream IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I?</h2>The livestream of the second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on the FanCode app and website.<h2>Squads</h2>India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh and Rinku Singh&nbsp;Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga

India will look to seal the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe when the two teams meet in the second game at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday (Jul 25). Led by Shreyas Iyer, India took a 1-0 lead after registering a comfortable seven-wicket win in the series opener on Thursday. The victory was an important one for the three-time T20 World Cup champions, who had gone winless on their recent tours of Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4). Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a record-breaking 19-ball half-century, becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I fifty. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav also made an impressive comeback after nearly two years out with injury, claiming 2/18. Ishan Kishan scored a quick 35, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 as India chased down the 126-run target with more than six overs left. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will now face a must-win match to keep the series alive ahead of Sunday's final T20I. Also Read - LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers, eyes one last NBA championship IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I: Match Details When will the IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I be played? The second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Saturday (25 Jul, 2026). The toss will take place at 4:00 pm IST. Also Read - Jos Buttler shares heartfelt message after getting Rohit Sharma's signed jersey Where is the match being played? The match will be held at at Harare Sports Club in Harare. Where can fans watch the match on television? The live telecast of the second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on Unite8 Sports in India. Where to livestream IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I? The livestream of the second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be available on the FanCode app and website. Squads India: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh and Rinku Singh Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga

IND vs ZIM, 2nd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

Zimbabwe have included uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga in their T20I squad for the first time, while all-rounder Wessly Madhevere and fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri return for the three-match home series against India, starting on Thursday (Jul 23). Tsiga, Madhevere and Nyamhuri replace Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa and Tashinga Musekiwa in the 15-member squad. All three matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Jul 23, 25 and 26.&nbsp;Although Tsiga has already played 10 Tests for Zimbabwe, he is yet to make his white-ball international debut. If selected, the India series could mark his first appearance in T20Is.&nbsp;Madhevere returns to the T20I squad for the first time since Jul 2025. The all-rounder has played 79 T20Is and was recently part of Zimbabwe’s Test and ODI squads against Bangladesh.&nbsp;Nyamhuri also returns after missing matches in ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month due to a minor injury. Tanaka Chivanga, who replaced him and featured in the third ODI, has retained his place in the squad.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-amit-bhatia-indian-origin-businessman-leads-consortium-to-buy-stake-in-liverpool-fc-1784706808859">Indian-origin businessman Amit Bhatia leads consortium to buy stake in Liverpool</a>&nbsp;Sikandar Raza will continue to captain Zimbabwe after the team enjoyed a strong run against Bangladesh. They secured a historic innings win in the one-off Test, claimed the ODI series 2-1, but lost the T20I series by the same margin.&nbsp;Zimbabwe will now face defending T20 World Cup champions India, who enter the series after a 2-0 defeat in Ireland and a 4-0 loss in England. The two teams last met in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, where India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-makes-changes-in-playing-conditions-ahead-of-upcoming-domestic-season-1784700706737">BCCI makes changes in playing conditions ahead of upcoming domestic season</a>&nbsp;Zimbabwe had reached the Super Eight after pulling off a surprise win over Australia.<h2>Zimbabwe T20I squad</h2>Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk).

The three-match T20I series will be played at the Harare Sports Club, with matches scheduled for Thursday (Jul 23), Saturday (Jul 25) and Sunday (Jul 26) during India's short tour of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe have included uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga in their T20I squad for the first time, while all-rounder Wessly Madhevere and fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri return for the three-match home series against India, starting on Thursday (Jul 23). Tsiga, Madhevere and Nyamhuri replace Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa and Tashinga Musekiwa in the 15-member squad. All three matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Jul 23, 25 and 26. Although Tsiga has already played 10 Tests for Zimbabwe, he is yet to make his white-ball international debut. If selected, the India series could mark his first appearance in T20Is. Madhevere returns to the T20I squad for the first time since Jul 2025. The all-rounder has played 79 T20Is and was recently part of Zimbabwe’s Test and ODI squads against Bangladesh. Nyamhuri also returns after missing matches in ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month due to a minor injury. Tanaka Chivanga, who replaced him and featured in the third ODI, has retained his place in the squad. Also Read - Indian-origin businessman Amit Bhatia leads consortium to buy stake in Liverpool Sikandar Raza will continue to captain Zimbabwe after the team enjoyed a strong run against Bangladesh. They secured a historic innings win in the one-off Test, claimed the ODI series 2-1, but lost the T20I series by the same margin. Zimbabwe will now face defending T20 World Cup champions India, who enter the series after a 2-0 defeat in Ireland and a 4-0 loss in England. The two teams last met in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, where India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai. Also Read - BCCI makes changes in playing conditions ahead of upcoming domestic season Zimbabwe had reached the Super Eight after pulling off a surprise win over Australia. Zimbabwe T20I squad Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Milton Shumba and Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk).

The three-match T20I series will be played at the Harare Sports Club, with matches scheduled for Thursday (Jul 23), Saturday (Jul 25) and Sunday (Jul 26) during India's short tour of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe name T20I squad for India series, Tafadzwa Tsiga receives maiden call-up

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has backed India’s young batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the three-match T20I series between the two teams, which begins on Jul 23 in Harare. With first-choice opener Sanju Samson unavailable, the 15-year-old is expected to feature in all three matches. Speaking to JioStar before the opening T20I, Raza praised Vaibhav’s talent and said the youngster has the potential to become one of the game’s best if he is guided in the right way.&nbsp;“I think Vaibhav has a lot of very good senior cricketers around him. If he is managed and handled well, I think Vaibhav could be a generational talent,” Sikandar Raza told JioStar.&nbsp;Raza also defended Vaibhav after the teenager’s quiet start to international cricket during India’s recent T20I series against England, where he failed to score more than 15 runs in his first few innings. He said it is unfair to judge such a young player after only few matches.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-can-attack-from-first-ball-but-tilak-varma-hits-back-at-strike-rate-criticism-1784650565410">'I can attack from first ball, but...': Tilak Varma hits back at strike-rate criticism</a>&nbsp;“Vaibhav is a supremely talented cricketer. If a 15-year-old kid is playing international cricket, criticizing him after just two or three matches isn’t justified,” Raza added.&nbsp;The Zimbabwe skipper also highlighted Vaibhav’s achievements over the past year, including helping India win the ICC U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, where he scored a century against England in the final. Raza said the teenager’s rapid rise has been remarkable and stressed that his development should be handled carefully.&nbsp;“To see what he has done over the last year, what he has done for India Under-19, and the fact that he made his international debut at the same age, these are no small feats by any means. You don’t get to hear such stories nowadays. Vaibhav is special. It will be important how he is managed and handled.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-set-to-take-over-as-france-head-coach-1784640555328">Zinedine Zidane set to take over as France head coach</a>&nbsp;Vaibhav earned his place in India’s senior squad after a sensational IPL 2026 season, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches and winning the Orange Cap. He is now set to return to Zimbabwe, the country where he first celebrated a world title with India’s U-19 team earlier this year.

Ahead of the three-match T20I series in Harare, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza backed India's young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster deserves time and should not be judged after just a few international outings.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has backed India’s young batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the three-match T20I series between the two teams, which begins on Jul 23 in Harare. With first-choice opener Sanju Samson unavailable, the 15-year-old is expected to feature in all three matches. Speaking to JioStar before the opening T20I, Raza praised Vaibhav’s talent and said the youngster has the potential to become one of the game’s best if he is guided in the right way. “I think Vaibhav has a lot of very good senior cricketers around him. If he is managed and handled well, I think Vaibhav could be a generational talent,” Sikandar Raza told JioStar. Raza also defended Vaibhav after the teenager’s quiet start to international cricket during India’s recent T20I series against England, where he failed to score more than 15 runs in his first few innings. He said it is unfair to judge such a young player after only few matches. Also Read - 'I can attack from first ball, but...': Tilak Varma hits back at strike-rate criticism “Vaibhav is a supremely talented cricketer. If a 15-year-old kid is playing international cricket, criticizing him after just two or three matches isn’t justified,” Raza added. The Zimbabwe skipper also highlighted Vaibhav’s achievements over the past year, including helping India win the ICC U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe, where he scored a century against England in the final. Raza said the teenager’s rapid rise has been remarkable and stressed that his development should be handled carefully. “To see what he has done over the last year, what he has done for India Under-19, and the fact that he made his international debut at the same age, these are no small feats by any means. You don’t get to hear such stories nowadays. Vaibhav is special. It will be important how he is managed and handled.” Also Read - Zinedine Zidane set to take over as France head coach Vaibhav earned his place in India’s senior squad after a sensational IPL 2026 season, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches and winning the Orange Cap. He is now set to return to Zimbabwe, the country where he first celebrated a world title with India’s U-19 team earlier this year.

Ahead of the three-match T20I series in Harare, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza backed India's young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster deserves time and should not be judged after just a few international outings.

'Criticising him after two or three matches isn't justified': Sikandar Raza backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Indian batter Tilak Varma has defended his batting approach during India’s T20I tours of Ireland and England, saying his strike rate was influenced by match situations rather than his personal style. Tilak said his only focus is to do what the team needs, whether it is attacking from the very first ball or playing a steady innings, he believes the situation should decide his approach.&nbsp;The 23-year-old pointed out that India often lost four or five wickets inside the first 10 overs on both tours, making it important for him to stabilise the innings instead of taking unnecessary risks. He also said he accepts the responsibilities given to him by the team management and adjusts his game accordingly.&nbsp;Although Tilak scored useful runs on the tours, he was criticised for not increasing the scoring rate quickly enough and for slowing the team’s momentum.&nbsp;“In this game, you have to bat in different places and especially in such conditions, it’s not easy. At the same time, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team. If I have to grind it out and play for the team, I do. If I have to hit from ball number one, then I do that. So at that time, in the conditions of the team, if you look at it, from Ireland to England, you always had four to five wickets falling inside the powerplay or the first 10 overs,” Tilak told reporters in the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;“So going there and then getting out in trying to accelerate, it doesn’t make sense. So that’s what I always have in my mind, that I can go and hit the first ball. But at the same time, I’m playing for the country, so there are a lot of responsibilities. So what are the conditions of the team? If I have to play for the team till the end, our team’s plans keep changing. When you are the vice-captain, the team gives you something after thinking about it. So I want to take the same responsibilities that the management gives me, so I’m playing according to that,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zinedine-zidane-set-to-take-over-as-france-head-coach-1784640555328">Zinedine Zidane set to take over as France head coach</a>&nbsp;Tilak registered two half-centuries during the Ireland and England tours, one against Ireland and another against England. In seven T20Is, he scored 178 runs, with his highest score of 55 coming in the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-ve-played-our-entire-career-together-rohit-sharma-opens-up-on-bond-with-virat-kohli-1784640782719">‘We’ve played our entire career together’: Rohit opens up on bond with Kohli</a>&nbsp;India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run, losing the T20I series 2-0 to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 whitewash against England. The Men in Blue will now aim to return to winning ways in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins on Jul 23.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Indian batter Tilak Varma defended his batting approach during the tours of Ireland and England, stating that his strike rate reflected the demands of the match situation rather than his personal style of play.

Indian batter Tilak Varma has defended his batting approach during India’s T20I tours of Ireland and England, saying his strike rate was influenced by match situations rather than his personal style. Tilak said his only focus is to do what the team needs, whether it is attacking from the very first ball or playing a steady innings, he believes the situation should decide his approach. The 23-year-old pointed out that India often lost four or five wickets inside the first 10 overs on both tours, making it important for him to stabilise the innings instead of taking unnecessary risks. He also said he accepts the responsibilities given to him by the team management and adjusts his game accordingly. Although Tilak scored useful runs on the tours, he was criticised for not increasing the scoring rate quickly enough and for slowing the team’s momentum. “In this game, you have to bat in different places and especially in such conditions, it’s not easy. At the same time, I always say that I do whatever is required for the team. If I have to grind it out and play for the team, I do. If I have to hit from ball number one, then I do that. So at that time, in the conditions of the team, if you look at it, from Ireland to England, you always had four to five wickets falling inside the powerplay or the first 10 overs,” Tilak told reporters in the pre-match press conference. “So going there and then getting out in trying to accelerate, it doesn’t make sense. So that’s what I always have in my mind, that I can go and hit the first ball. But at the same time, I’m playing for the country, so there are a lot of responsibilities. So what are the conditions of the team? If I have to play for the team till the end, our team’s plans keep changing. When you are the vice-captain, the team gives you something after thinking about it. So I want to take the same responsibilities that the management gives me, so I’m playing according to that,” he added. Also Read - Zinedine Zidane set to take over as France head coach Tilak registered two half-centuries during the Ireland and England tours, one against Ireland and another against England. In seven T20Is, he scored 178 runs, with his highest score of 55 coming in the second T20I against Ireland in Belfast. Also Read - ‘We’ve played our entire career together’: Rohit opens up on bond with Kohli India, led by Shreyas Iyer, endured a difficult run, losing the T20I series 2-0 to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 whitewash against England. The Men in Blue will now aim to return to winning ways in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins on Jul 23. With inputs from agencies

Indian batter Tilak Varma defended his batting approach during the tours of Ireland and England, stating that his strike rate reflected the demands of the match situation rather than his personal style of play.

'I can attack from first ball, but...': Tilak Varma hits back at strike-rate criticism

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'Criticising him after two or three matches...': Raza backs Sooryavanshi

'I can attack from...': Tilak Varma hits back at strike-rate criticism