Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational start to international cricket has earned him another major reward, with the teenage opener soaring 230 places in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings after his match-winning exploits against Zimbabwe.
The 15-year-old climbed to a career-best 48th in the rankings following a stunning three-match series in Harare, where he finished as the leading run-scorer with 151 runs at an average of 50.33. His performances helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep, while he was deservedly named Player of the Series for the first time in his fledgling international career.
Sooryavanshi announced himself in style by smashing a breathtaking 50 off just 19 balls in the opening T20I before producing his highest international score of 81 from 49 deliveries in the series finale. Those knocks also saw him become the first player in men’s T20I history to score multiple half-centuries before turning 16, underlining just how extraordinary his rise has been.
ICC RANKINGS FOR INDIA BATTERS IN T20IS
- Ishan Kishan – World No. 1 – 910 rating points
- Abhishek Sharma – World No. 3 – 819 rating points
- Tilak Varma – World No. 6 – 750 rating points
- Suryakumar Yadav – World No. 19 – 653 rating points
- Shreyas Iyer – World No. 24 – 630 rating points
- Shivam Dube – World No. 30 – 580 rating points
- Sanju Samson – World No. 33 – 575 rating points
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – World No. 48 – 536 rating points
SOORYAVANSHI’S METEORIC RISE CONTINUES
The rankings jump is another milestone in what has been a whirlwind few months for the left-handed opener. After enduring a difficult initiation during India’s tour of England, Sooryavanshi bounced back emphatically in Zimbabwe, displaying the fearless strokeplay and composure that made him one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
India head coach VVS Laxman was among those impressed by the teenager’s maturity, praising his ability to learn quickly from setbacks and adapt to international cricket. Laxman also highlighted Sooryavanshi’s work ethic and willingness to improve, qualities that have complemented his obvious talent.
The rankings rise also caps a memorable week for Indian cricket. The convincing sweep over Zimbabwe propelled the defending T20 World Cup champions back to No.1 in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings after briefly surrendering the top spot earlier this month.
With two half-centuries, a Player of the Series award and a record-breaking leap in the ICC rankings, Sooryavanshi has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
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