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Just one match after a disappointing performance, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a surprising turnaround after being selected for India’s Olympic T20 team. The 15-year-old teenage batting sensation was full of confidence for India A against Afghanistan A and played with complete freedom in their second game of the one-day tri-series.
After failing to make an impact in the opening match of the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka A, the India A batsman played a fearless and entertaining innings against Afghanistan A in Dambulla. Coming into the series after massive hype, Vaibhav had scored only 14 runs against Sri Lanka A.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a brilliant comeback after initial setback in Sri Lanka
It took no time for Vaibhav Suryavanshi to return to his dangerous mode as he entertained everyone with some attractive stroke play by scoring 44 runs off just 22 balls against Afghanistan A. The most impressive part of his batting was not the big shots but the way he timed the ball.
The left-handed batsman’s cover drives looked brilliant and many of his boundaries remained along the ground, showing that he has natural attacking ability as well as strong technique. However, Vaibav once again lost his wicket while trying to tackle a short ball outside the off stump. He attempted aggressive shots, but only managed to stop the ball behind the wicket.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanjay Manjrekar impressed by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s excellent timing
Nevertheless, the Rajasthan Royals star managed to impress former Indian cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanjay Manjrekar. Ashwin lauded Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s timing, while Manjrekar believes the innings showed that the teenager can be more than just a T20 hitter.
Ashwin posted on Twitter: “Out! But 44(21) Absolutely entertaining innings, with some well-timed cover drives. We’ve seen his power, but there was nothing but brute force today. He’s some player, this kid. #VaibhavSuryavanshi #INDAvAFGA”
Outside ! But 44(21) absolutely entertaining innings, with some well-timed cover drives.
We have seen his strength, but today he was nothing but brute strength.
This child is a player. . . . . . . . . pic.twitter.com/Ul3plGh783
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) June 11, 2026
Sanjay Manjrekar, on the other hand, wrote,
India A is in Sri Lanka, the pitch is not as flat as IPL and it is not T20 cricket. Hence watching Vaibhav Suryavanshi in different batting situations. And I’m excited!
He is not just your T20 slugger. That could even be a one day event! Special talent!– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 11, 2026
Afghanistan got a good start but India A made a comeback
After Vaibhav Suryavanshi was out, Prabhasimran Singh played a brilliant inning of 84 runs and gave a strong base to the team. Captain Tilak Verma added 66 runs while vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored a crucial 66 runs. Although the match was reduced to 49 overs due to rain, Indian batsmen were successful in scoring a huge score of 349 runs for 9 wickets against Afghanistan A.
While chasing the target, Afghanistan has lost only two wickets so far, but the pace of scoring runs has slowed down due to India A captain Tilak Verma’s decision to use mostly spinners. After taking no wickets in his first eight overs as the second innings was reduced to 38 overs due to rain, Arshad Khan finally gave India A the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Hasan Isakhail for 34.
Anukul Roy gave India A its second success by dismissing Khalid Taniwal cheaply for 2 runs. Earlier, Imran Mir and Hasan Isaakhil opened the innings in aggressive style and gave Afghanistan an explosive start against India A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. Well, Riyan Parag underwent successful surgery after missing the Sri Lanka tour.
