Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Ex-Cricbuzz)

Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar He believes Vaibhav Suryavanshi is proving that he is more than just a power-hitting T20 sensation after the 15-year-old impressed once again for India A in the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka.Suryavanshi caught everyone’s attention by playing a brilliant inning of 44 runs in just 22 balls against Afghanistan A on Thursday and continued his rapid rise after a successful IPL 2026 campaign. While the teenager missed out on a half-century, his innings drew praise for the way he scored runs rather than the last number next to his name.Unlike the batting-friendly surfaces often seen in the IPL, the conditions in Sri Lanka presented a different challenge. Yet Suryavanshi adapted impressively, relying on timing and placement as well as aggression. His innings included nine fours and came at a strike rate of 200, notably without hitting a single six.That performance drew a strong response from Manjrekar, who used the Ax to highlight the youngster’s versatility and potential in the longer white-ball format.“India A is in Sri Lanka, the pitch is not as flat as IPL and it is not T20 cricket. So to see Vaibhav Suryavanshi in different batting conditions. And I am excited!”He is not just your T20 slugger. That could even be a one day event! Special talent!” Manjrekar posted on X.

Sanjay Manjrekar Post

The former India batsman’s comments came after Suryavanshi provided a brilliant start to India A in the rain-affected match. Opening with Prabhsimran Singh, the left-handed batsman helped add 74 runs for the first wicket in just 7.1 overs, putting Afghanistan A under immediate pressure.Another aspect of Suryavanshi’s game also came to light in this innings. Rather than relying solely on brute force, he repeatedly found gaps with sharp strokes and well-timed drives, lending credence to the idea that his game could translate successfully beyond T20 cricket.His innings eventually ended on 44 when he attempted to loft a short ball from Abdullah Ahmadzai and found it past wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. This was the second consecutive innings in which he had to be out on a short ball outside the off stump.Nevertheless, India A scored a strong score of 349 runs for 9 wickets in 49 overs. Prabhasimran scored the highest run of 84 runs while captain Tilak Verma and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Both scored 66 runs. After this, Suryansh Shedge gave the team the lead by playing a quick inning of 40 runs.Due to rain interruption throughout the day, Afghanistan A was given a revised target of 294 runs in 38 overs under the DLS method. Chasing aggressively, captain Imran Mir remained unbeaten on 75, while Bahir Shah contributed 51 not out, helping Afghanistan reach 177 for 2 in 25.5 overs, before play was halted due to rain.At that time, Afghanistan A was four runs ahead of the DLS par score, resulting in a four-run win after the match was abandoned.