Ishan Kishan Reveals How Team India Is Protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi From Social Media Distractions
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has revealed how senior players are helping teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remain focused on cricket and avoid distractions from social media and outside noise.
The 15-year-old couldn’t repeat his half-century heroics from the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in the second match of the series, scoring a quick 20 off nine balls.
However, Ishan believes there is little reason to worry about the youngster and explained how the Indian dressing room is helping him navigate the early stages of his international career.
Ishan Kishan Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking at the post-match press conference following India’s victory in the second T20I, Ishan described Sooryavanshi as a smart youngster who already understands his responsibilities on and off the field.
According to Ishan, however, the challenge for a young player isn’t restricted to performing with the bat.
Social media attention, outside opinions and distractions within a player’s social circle can potentially affect their development.
Ishan, who says he comes from a similar background, believes experienced players can help Sooryavanshi avoid some of those problems.
Team India Wants Vaibhav Focused Only on Cricket
Ishan revealed that several Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, regularly interact with Sooryavanshi and encourage him to concentrate on cricket.
The idea is to prevent the teenager from becoming overly concerned with social media reactions or outside criticism, particularly when he doesn’t score runs.
“Right now, he thinks as much as possible about cricket, rather than what’s happening on social media, what the outside noise is, or letting his body language drop if he isn’t scoring runs,” Ishan said.
The Indian players are also careful about how they communicate with the youngster, given his age and the enormous attention surrounding his career.
Ishan Calls Sooryavanshi a Special Talent
Sooryavanshi has already demonstrated his ability to completely change a game during the powerplay.
Ishan highlighted the enormous impact the youngster could have if he remains at the crease for the opening six overs.
According to him, a batter with Sooryavanshi’s attacking ability could potentially help India reach 80 to 90 runs in the powerplay.
That explosive potential is one of the reasons India’s players are particularly keen to ensure he remains focused on his development rather than getting distracted by the attention surrounding him.
Senior Players Taking a ‘Brother-Like’ Role
Ishan also explained that his relationship with Sooryavanshi goes beyond regular advice between teammates.
He wants the youngster to avoid mistakes that more experienced players made during the early stages of their own careers.
Those lessons include maintaining the right mindset, taking care of physical fitness and handling the pressures that accompany international cricket.
“Our job as teammates, especially since we are like brothers, is to keep him happy, make him focus on the important things, and ensure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes we made in our early days,” Ishan said.
Sooryavanshi’s Explosive Start to International Cricket
After scoring a half-century in the opening T20I, Sooryavanshi once again demonstrated his attacking intent in the second game.
Although his innings ended at 20 from nine deliveries, his aggressive approach helped India maintain early momentum.
Ishan then took responsibility after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, producing a match-winning 81 off 44 balls as India registered a dominant victory.
For Team India, the priority now appears to be allowing Sooryavanshi to continue playing his natural game while shielding the teenager from unnecessary pressure during the formative stages of his international career.
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