‘Chocolate’ From Gambhir, Crackers For New Zealand: How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Unleashed His Fury
Sometimes, a small change can unlock a completely different version of a player. For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, returning to the opening slot proved to be exactly that. After a quiet outing at No. 3, the 15-year-old walked out alongside Abhishek Sharma in the third T20I against New Zealand and immediately reminded everyone why he is at his most dangerous at the top.
Xtratime Webdesk: Sometimes, a small change can unlock a completely different version of a player. For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, returning to the opening slot proved to be exactly that. After a quiet outing at No. 3, the 15-year-old walked out alongside Abhishek Sharma in the third T20I against New Zealand and immediately reminded everyone why he is at his most dangerous at the top.
Former India batter Sadagopan Ramesh described the decision as a “chocolate” from the team management. The analogy could hardly have been more appropriate. Given the freedom to attack during the Powerplay, Vaibhav played without hesitation, smashing 45 from just 19 balls, with four fours and four sixes at a staggering strike rate of 236.84. In the previous game at No. 3, he had managed only four from eight deliveries.
The difference was not merely statistical. Opening allowed Vaibhav to play on instinct, attack the field restrictions and impose himself before the opposition could settle. And New Zealand paid heavily for that freedom.
At the other end, Abhishek Sharma was producing an even more destructive assault. The pair added 133 runs in just over seven overs, turning a chase of 199 into a one-sided demolition job. India eventually reached the target in only 13.2 overs, sealing the five-match series 3-0.
Ramesh summed up the carnage with another striking image, saying the Indian batters, particularly Abhishek, were bursting “Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000 crackers” with the bat even before Diwali.
That perfectly captured the mood in Wellington. The “chocolate” handed to Vaibhav was the opening slot, but what followed was anything but sweet for New Zealand. With Vaibhav fearless and Abhishek ruthless, India’s young opening combination turned the Powerplay into a fireworks show.
For Vaibhav, the innings was also a reminder of a simple T20 principle: put a naturally aggressive batter where he can express himself best, and the results can arrive explosively.
