New Delhi:Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was handed his international kit ahead of a much-anticipated debut when he was seen in the senior India jersey for the first time. The Bihar boy, 15, has caught everyone’s imagination after stellar seasons and he’s one to keep a tap on with his breathtaking ball-striking ability.
Sooryavanshi has been a part of the India squads for the Ireland and England T20Is and was seen in action for India A in a Tri-Nation Series recently where Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A were also involved. He is likely to make his debut on the UK tour as India will be playing two T20Is against Ireland before a five-match 20-over series against the Three Lions.
Before the two T20Is against Ireland on June 26 and 28, India’s throwdown specialist Raghvendra Dwivedi, aka Raghu, handed over his jersey to the teenage sensation. The cricketer gracefully touched his feet and took the kit wholeheartedly and Raghu took Sooryavanshi’s kit to his room.
The Rajasthan Royals batter then unpacked the kit as he took out his jersey with the Number 03 imprint on it and “Sooryavanshi” below. See the special moment here:
Sooryavanshi opens up on receiving India jerseyLater, the batting sensation spoke about his emotions after getting the prestigious India jersey saying he was out of words. Sooryavanshi told the BCCI in the video, “Words cannot describe it. “Today the dream was fulfilled and I took a bat from Day one and went to the cricket ground to practice. Today we’ve taken the biggest step on that journey. “I can’t really put this feeling into words,” he said.
I felt like a dream. The second I saw that T-shirt I couldn't stop smiling. Sometimes, something happens that you could never even imagine could happen. And when it does, you don’t know what to say. “That’s how I felt.”
Sooryavanshi 'almost forced' his way into Indian T20I side: AgarkarWhile announcing the T20I squads for the UK tour, India chief selector Ajit Agarkar was effusive in his praise of Sooryavanshi, pointing out that the teenager “almost forced” his way into the side following sensational performances in the IPL. "I think he has just picked himself really," Agarkar told the media announcing the squads. He has almost made us pick him with the way he has played, with his performances. For a young kid… I don’t need to tell you how good he’s playing. And that is not just for this season. He obviously had a fantastic start [to his IPL career] last year.
And to back it up for a young kid in a competition that is as competitive and has a high-pressure environment and how explosive he can be and a game-changer he can be. Like everyone else who has seen T20 cricket in India, we have high hopes of him.
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