It was another entry into the record books for when he became the youngest to score a 50 in the Representing East Zone, Vaibhav reached his half-century in 42 balls vs Central Zone in the semifinal.
At 15 years and 157 days, he claimed the new record for himself.
No Maiden First-Class 100 Yet
Why was this 92 significant? Because it was just a run less than his top first-class score of 93. Yes, for all his rising talent, the youngster is yet to score a century at this level. It looked set to happen on this occasion, but a rush of blood saw him give an easy catch in the deep. What followed afterwords was even more shocking.
© X/BCCI
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Angry Avatar
Vaibhav slammed his bat in anger and walked off. He was visibly disappointed as a century was there for the taking. The wicket also ended an opening stand of 161 in which the 15-year-old was the dominant partner. It also began a collapse as East Zone were bundled out for 266 in their first innings.
Selector Left in Shock
One man left in shock by Vaibhav’s angry reaction was selector and former India pacer RP Singh. Singh was at the ground watching the game along with other selectors Ajay Ratra and SS Das, both also ex-players. The match was being played in Bengaluru. Vaibhav walked off feeling dejected and rightly so. He missed out on a great chance to get to a 100. In fact, the shot that saw him walk back to the pavilion would have gotten him closer to the landmark if the ball had cleared the fence.
© X/BCCI
Rising Star of Indian Cricket
The southpaw created history when he became India’s youngest debutant nearly a couple of months ago and broke 37-year-old record. Later on, he became the youngest in the world to score an international 50. At the moment, he’s the only player ever to have scored two half-centuries at the age of 15. On March 27, Vaibhav turned 15 and it made him eligible to represent the senior team. Now that he is a capped player, he can never play for the Under-19 side again.
Take a look at his dismissal and reaction in the Duleep Trophy semifinal vs Central Zone:
What Next for the Southpaw?
Vaibhav just had a brilliant series in Zimbabwe where he scored two 50s and helped India inflict a 3-0 whitewash. He shall next be seen in action on September 13 vs Afghanistan in another three-match T20I series. Afghanistan shall be ‘hosting’ India on Indian soil, making it a historic series. Maybe we will get to see him hit his 1st international 100?
Long Way to Go
There is talk of bringing him into ODIs ahead of the 2027 World Cup and trying him out in Tests as well. But all that will not happen overnight as the young man still has to establish himself in the current side. The journey ahead is long and hard for Vaibhav as he has only just begun. However, at the moment, the 15-year-old kid is on the right track.