Abhishek Sharma

Ishan Kishan Reveals Team India’s Special Plan for 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Latest Cricket News — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:02:23 +0000

Ishan Kishan Reveals How Team India Is Protecting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi From Social Media Distractions

Ishan Kishan Reveals Team India’s Special Plan for 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

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.

Tilak Varma Says Zimbabwe Series Win a ‘Relief’ After Ireland, England Defeats

Latest Cricket News — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:53:34 +0000

Tilak Varma Calls Zimbabwe Series Win a ‘Relief’ After India’s Ireland and England Setbacks

Tilak Varma Says Zimbabwe Series Win a ‘Relief’ After Ireland, England Defeats

India vice-captain Tilak Varma admitted that the T20I series victory over Zimbabwe has come as a welcome relief following disappointing results against Ireland and England.

India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after registering a dominant 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Tilak played a major role in the victory, smashing an unbeaten 60 off just 29 deliveries before contributing with the ball with figures of 1 for 9 from two overs.

Tilak Varma Relieved After Back-to-Back Series Defeats

India entered the Zimbabwe tour under pressure after losing their previous two T20I series.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ireland before being comprehensively beaten by England. According to Tilak, India’s performances in the opening two matches against Zimbabwe showed the team’s determination to respond strongly.

“It’s quite a bit of a relief for us. If you see, the last two series didn’t go our way. But especially the way we have played the last two games was really good,” Tilak said in a BCCI video.

Tilak and Ishan Kishan Turn Up the Heat

Tilak walked out to bat following captain Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal and joined an in-form Ishan Kishan in the middle.

The pair added a crucial 94 runs, putting India firmly in control.

Kishan was the leading scorer with a blistering 81 off 44 balls, while Tilak provided the acceleration with his unbeaten 60.

Tilak credited Kishan’s aggressive approach for helping him settle into his innings.

“I just held my shape, and I was backing myself. I got those few good boundaries, and from there I just kept going,” Tilak said.

He also praised Kishan’s intent from the beginning, saying the left-hander’s attacking batting was “tremendous to watch.”

Shreyas Iyer’s Cameo Also Crucial

Tilak also highlighted the importance of Shreyas Iyer’s 25-run contribution.

Although the Indian captain couldn’t convert his start into a bigger innings, Tilak believes his cameo helped maintain the momentum before Kishan and Tilak launched their assault.

“Small cameo from Iyer was also important for the team. From there, I just wanted to maintain that momentum throughout the overs,” Tilak explained.

India eventually posted a massive total before their bowlers completely overwhelmed the Zimbabwe batting line-up.

Tilak Varma Working Hard on His Bowling

Tilak’s contribution wasn’t restricted to batting.

The 23-year-old dismissed Ryan Burl and conceded only nine runs from his two overs.

More importantly, Tilak revealed that he is putting significant effort into developing his bowling and wants to regularly contribute two or three overs for India.

“I’m working really hard on my bowling. If you give two overs or three overs for the team, it really helps,” he said.

Tilak believes becoming a reliable bowling option could provide India with greater flexibility in their team combination.

“Going forward, my aim is to give the team at least two or three overs because it really helps the combination,” he added.

India Seal Series With Dominant Victory

India completed an emphatic victory by bowling Zimbabwe out for 129, sealing the match by 90 runs.

Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 17 as Zimbabwe’s chase collapsed.

The result gave India an unbeatable 2-0 advantage with one match remaining and, importantly, ended their recent run of disappointing T20I series results.

Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Power India to 90-Run Win Over Zimbabwe, Seal T20I Series 2-0

Latest Cricket News — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:06:41 +0000

Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Fire India to 90-Run Win Over Zimbabwe and Seal Series

Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Power India to 90-Run Win Over Zimbabwe, Seal T20I Series 2-0

India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

Ishan Kishan struck 81 and Tilak Varma added 60, with their rapid partnership helping India post an imposing 219 for 5. Zimbabwe’s chase never fully recovered from a cluster of wickets after the powerplay, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Zimbabwe Strike Early After Choosing to Bowl

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first and his bowlers gave the hosts an encouraging start.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed cheaply, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi immediately counterattacked. The young left-hander went after Richard Ngarava, collecting three fours and a six from consecutive deliveries in the third over.

Ngarava responded well, removing Sooryavanshi when the batter mistimed a hard-length delivery towards mid-on.

India had lost two early wickets, but their experienced middle order quickly restored control.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Rebuild India’s Innings

Kishan joined captain Shreyas Iyer and the pair added 66 runs for the third wicket.

Scoring wasn’t always straightforward, with the surface preventing the ball from coming onto the bat cleanly. Kishan also survived an early chance, while Iyer initially needed time to settle.

The India captain eventually found his rhythm and attacked Brian Bennett in the tenth over, striking three boundaries.

His acceleration was cut short when he was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, leaving India needing another partnership to maintain their momentum.

Kishan and Tilak Take Control

Tilak Varma ensured Iyer’s dismissal did not give Zimbabwe an opening.

Kishan and Tilak added 94 runs from just 43 deliveries, dramatically increasing India’s scoring rate during the second half of the innings.

Tilak stepped up his attack in the 14th over, striking three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani.

Kishan continued applying pressure from the other end and launched Raza for six as Zimbabwe struggled to contain the left-handed pair.

Kishan eventually fell for 81 in the 18th over, caught at deep point while attempting to reach a wide delivery.

Tilak Varma Helps India Reach 219

Tilak continued the attack after Kishan’s departure and completed a blazing half-century of his own.

Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube further boosted India’s total, with the visitors finishing on 219 for 5 from 20 overs.

Tilak ended with 60 as India set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 220.

Brian Bennett Gives Zimbabwe Fast Start

Zimbabwe needed an aggressive powerplay and Brian Bennett provided exactly that.

Bennett refused to allow India’s quicks to settle, attacking Mayank Yadav and debutant Yash Thakur with inventive strokeplay.

His innings included several scoops, but the same aggressive approach eventually brought his downfall.

While attempting a reverse scoop, Bennett was cramped for space and lobbed a catch to the wicketkeeper, departing for 32.

Prince Yadav Strikes Before Injury

Bennett’s dismissal opened the door for India.

Zimbabwe quickly slipped to 49 for 4, with Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi striking soon after the powerplay.

Prince was particularly impressive, taking two wickets for just 10 runs, but his spell ended prematurely.

After dismissing Sikandar Raza, the pacer appeared to suffer a problem with his left hamstring and was forced to leave the field.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three-Wicket Burst Ends Zimbabwe’s Chase

Ryan Burl attempted to keep Zimbabwe in the contest with an attacking approach, while Tadiwanashe Marumani also offered some resistance.

India, however, continued finding wickets at regular intervals.

Abhishek Sharma proved especially effective with the ball. After having a disappointing outing with the bat, he responded by taking 3 for 17.

His triple strike accelerated Zimbabwe’s collapse and the hosts were dismissed for 129 in 17.5 overs.

The result completed a comprehensive 90-run victory and ensured India wrapped up the series before the final match.

India Take Unassailable 2-0 Lead

The victory was another strong response from an Indian side that arrived in Zimbabwe following difficult results against Ireland and England.

India’s batting showed considerably more firepower in the second game, while the bowling unit once again found regular breakthroughs.

With the series now secured at 2-0, India could use the final T20I to test some of their other squad members, although Prince Yadav’s injury is also likely to force at least one change.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and finish the series with a victory.

Brief Scores

India 219/5 in 20 overs
Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60; Newman Nyamhuri 1-25

Zimbabwe 129 in 17.5 overs
Brian Bennett 32; Abhishek Sharma 3-17, Prince Yadav 2-10

India won by 90 runs and lead the three-match series 2-0.

India Thrash Zimbabwe by 90 Runs to Seal T20I Series as Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Shine

Latest Cricket News — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:03:01 +0000

India Thrash Zimbabwe by 90 Runs to Seal T20I Series as Ishan Kishan Shines

India Thrash Zimbabwe by 90 Runs to Seal T20I Series as Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma Shine

India produced a dominant all-round performance in Harare to beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.

After being asked to bat first, India piled up a massive 220, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma leading the charge. Zimbabwe never seriously threatened the target and were bowled out for around 130 as India’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure.

The victory gives Shreyas Iyer his first T20I series win as India captain, while the visitors now have an opportunity to test their bench strength in the final match.

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma Power India to 220

India initially felt a score in the region of 180 to 200 could prove competitive because of the variable bounce on offer.

Instead, their middle order pushed the total all the way to 220.

After India suffered early setbacks, Ishan Kishan took control at No. 3 and formed a crucial partnership with Tilak Varma.

Rather than allowing the wickets to slow him down, Kishan backed his scoring options and looked to attack whenever the opportunity arrived.

The left-hander later explained that his focus was simply on watching the ball and playing to his strengths instead of worrying about the wickets that had already fallen.

Tilak provided excellent support at the other end as the pair transformed India’s innings.

Captain Shreyas Iyer was particularly impressed with their strokeplay, describing some of their shots as “rakanaka” – beautiful.

Zimbabwe Face Huge 221-Run Target

Chasing 221 was always going to require something exceptional from Zimbabwe.

Their openers attempted to provide the aggressive start required, but India’s bowlers kept finding ways to break partnerships.

Debutant Yash Thakur provided the first breakthrough and impressed with his variations.

The pacer revealed after the match that he and Iyer had identified the slower delivery as a potentially effective option on the surface.

It paid off as Yash celebrated his maiden T20I wicket.

Prince Yadav Impresses Before Injury

One of the major concerns for India came through an injury to Prince Yadav.

Prince had been highly effective, claiming two wickets from just eight deliveries, before suffering what appeared to be a hamstring problem while running in to bowl.

He was forced to leave the field and is now expected to miss the final T20I.

His injury means India will have to make at least one change for the series finale.

Abhishek Sharma Picks Up Three Wickets

With Prince unable to complete his spell, India were forced to turn to their additional bowling options.

They responded brilliantly.

The part-time bowlers combined for five wickets, with Abhishek Sharma finishing with three as Zimbabwe’s chase quickly unravelled.

India eventually dismissed the hosts for around 130 to complete a comprehensive 90-run victory.

Mayank Yadav Continues to Trouble Zimbabwe With Pace

Mayank Yadav wasn’t quite as consistent as he had been in the opening T20I, but his extra pace remained a major weapon.

An interesting pattern has emerged from his first two matches of the series.

When Mayank crossed 140kph, he conceded only nine runs from 21 deliveries while taking two wickets. His other 21 deliveries cost 34 runs.

He bowled 17 deliveries above 140kph in the opening match but managed only four such balls during his three-over spell in the second T20I.

Shreyas Iyer Celebrates First Series Win

Iyer was delighted with the manner in which India secured the series.

The captain praised both the batting and bowling units, highlighting the contributions throughout the side.

India had entered the Zimbabwe tour following difficult T20I series against Ireland and England, but back-to-back victories in Harare have given the young squad a much-needed turnaround.

Iyer also stressed that his players should avoid dwelling on previous performances and instead focus on maximising every opportunity.

Sikandar Raza Takes Responsibility for Zimbabwe’s Batting Problems

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza admitted his side had been outplayed but also identified fielding as an area where the hosts need to improve.

Raza felt Zimbabwe’s bowlers had performed well in patches, only for India’s batters to take advantage whenever the pressure dropped.

He was also critical of his own performances.

The Zimbabwe skipper acknowledged that his team needs runs from him and accepted responsibility for failing to make a significant contribution in the first two matches.

Zimbabwe Suffer Another Heavy T20I Defeat

The 90-run margin ranks among Zimbabwe’s biggest defeats in T20 internationals.

Their largest T20I defeats include:

107 runs vs West Indies, 2026
100 runs vs Australia, 2018
100 runs vs India, 2024
90 runs vs India, 2026
85 runs vs Pakistan, 2011

Zimbabwe’s dot-ball numbers have also been costly.

They faced 64 dot balls in the first T20I and another 53 in the second, while India faced only 62 dots across the two matches combined.

India Could Make Changes for Final T20I

With the series already secured, India could use the third T20I to provide opportunities to players on the bench.

Iyer confirmed that the team had not finalised its combination but suggested there could be a couple of changes.

At least one alteration appears inevitable because of Prince Yadav’s injury.

India will now target a 3-0 series sweep, while Zimbabwe will be looking to finish the series with a stronger performance and avoid another heavy defeat.