Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Father: 'Till He Plays Tests, He's Not a Big Cricketer'
In the heart of Bihar, where memes about the state's unyielding spirit trend endlessly on social media, a new hero has emerged. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 17-year-old batting prodigy, scripted history by smashing a breathtaking century in the ICC U-19 World Cup final against England. His explosive knock—featuring 15 sixes and 15 fours at a staggering strike rate of 218.75—propelled India to a resounding 100-run victory, securing their record sixth title at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. But amid the celebrations, Vaibhav's father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, offered a grounded perspective that resonates deeply in cricket-mad India.
A Father's Pride and Perspective
Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, speaking from Samastipur in Bihar, couldn't hold back tears when his son called post-match. 'Papa parnaam,' Vaibhav greeted in the distinctive Bihari dialect, a stretched vowel that captures the region's unique flavor. The conversation was brief; Sanjeev urged his son to savor the moment with teammates, knowing the U-19 chapter was closing. Yet, his ambitions for Vaibhav remain sky-high.
'Abhi toh shuruaat hai, abhi bahut aage jaana hai,' Sanjeev told Times of India. 'Jab tak Test na khele, kya bada cricketer.' Translation: This is just the beginning; until he plays Tests, he won't be a big cricketer. In an era dominated by T20 blitzes and IPL glamour, Sanjeev's emphasis on the longest format underscores a traditionalist view that Tests are the ultimate test of character and skill.
Vaibhav's innings was a masterclass in aggression. Starting steadily with 24 runs off 24 balls, he unleashed fury in the latter stages, scoring 151 off just 56 deliveries. This demolition not only won the match but also highlighted Vaibhav's instinct for domination—a trait his coach, Manish Ojha, praises as revolutionary for Bihar.
Bihar's Sporting Awakening
Vaibhav's triumph has ignited a frenzy in Patna and beyond. Ojha's phone buzzes with messages, including bizarre pleas like, 'Sir, mera beta do saal ka hai, usko cricketer Vaibhav bana dijiye.' The coach laughs it off as 'absolute madness,' but sees profound change. 'Vaibhav has brought a sporting revolution in Bihar,' Ojha says. Long stigmatized by the proverb-turned-song from MS Dhoni's biopic—'Padhoge likhoge banoge nawaab, kheloge kudoge banoge kharaab'—sports in Bihar are shedding their 'ruinous' tag.
Vaibhav embodies this shift. Unlike conventional players content with singles, he goes for the kill, believing in complete domination. From Bihar, a state that historically set national trends—from Gandhi's 1917 Champaran Satyagraha to JP Narayan's 1974 call for Total Revolution—Vaibhav is now trendsetting in cricket. His story challenges the narrative that Bihar is 'not for beginners,' proving it's a cradle for fearless talents.
Vaibhav's Road to Stardom
Born in Bihar, Vaibhav's journey to the U-19 summit wasn't paved with privilege. Under Ojha's guidance in Patna, he honed a batting style that's all attack, no retreat. In the tournament, his stats speak volumes: that final century came after consistent performances, showcasing maturity beyond his years. India's victory over England marked their dominance in junior cricket, with Vaibhav as the standout performer.
Off the field, the win resonates culturally. The Bihari 'parnaam' in Vaibhav's call home symbolizes roots amid global glory. As India eyes senior successes—like the ongoing T20 World Cup and IPL 2025—Vaibhav's emergence draws parallels to icons like Dhoni, who also hailed from Ranchi, neighboring Bihar.
Broader Cricket Context
Vaibhav's story unfolds against a vibrant cricket backdrop. Recent headlines buzz with Rishabh Pant's resurgence, Ben Stokes' leadership in the Ashes, and intense chats between Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya ahead of India vs USA in the T20 WC. The Pakistan Cricket Board's moves and WPL 2026 preparations add to the excitement. Yet, Sanjeev's Test focus reminds us of cricket's purest form, where endurance trumps explosiveness.
Experts predict Vaibhav's IPL auction could fetch big bids, but his father dreams of Baggy Green and white flannels. As Bihar embraces sports, Vaibhav's knock isn't just runs—it's a revolution, proving that from the heartland, big dreams take flight.
What's Next for Vaibhav?
With the U-19 title in hand, Vaibhav eyes domestic circuits and potential India A call-ups. Ojha believes his pupil's mindset—unwavering aggression—will translate to higher levels. Sanjeev's words serve as motivation: Tests await, and only then will the 'big cricketer' tag stick.
In Bihar, where bridges get stolen and dialects charm, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the bridge to a sporting future. His century in Harare isn't the end; it's the spark for what's to come in Indian cricket.
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