‘Not a Big Cricketer Yet’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Father Sets the Ultimate Benchmark

'Till the time he does not play Tests, I won't consider him a big cricketer': Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s father

He just scored the highest individual total in an ICC U-19 World Cup final. He smashed 15 sixes and 15 fours at a strike rate of over 200. His name is on every sports channel and trending across social media. But for one man, it’s still not enough.

In a moment of profound humility that has captured the nation’s attention, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, has set the ultimate benchmark for his 14-year-old son’s success. “Till the time he does not play Tests, I won’t consider him a big cricketer,” he declared, grounding the whirlwind of fame in a bedrock of old-school values [[20]].

Table of Contents

The Record-Breaking Innings That Shook the World

On February 7, 2026, at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn’t just play a game; he authored a legend. Opening the batting for India in the U-19 World Cup final against England, the 14-year-old unleashed a brutal and breathtaking assault on the English bowlers [[3]].

His final score of 175 runs from just 80 balls wasn’t just a personal best; it was a historic landmark. It stands as the highest individual score ever in a U-19 World Cup final [[5]]. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring a staggering 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to a colossal total of 411/9 [[2]]. This knock was the cornerstone of India’s 100-run victory, securing their sixth U-19 World Cup title [[4]].

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Father: A Lesson in Humility and Perspective

While the cricketing world was busy anointing a new superstar, back home in their village in Bihar’s Samastipur district, the Sooryavanshi household was a picture of quiet pride and grounded reality. Sanjeev Sooryavanshi’s now-famous quote is more than just a father’s high expectations; it’s a powerful statement about the true measure of greatness in cricket [[20]].

In an era where T20 stardom can create overnight celebrities, his insistence on Test cricket as the ultimate validation is a refreshing throwback to a time when the five-day format was the undisputed pinnacle of the sport. This perspective serves as a crucial anchor for young Vaibhav, shielding him from the intoxicating effects of premature adulation and keeping his eyes on the long, hard road ahead.

A Village Celebrates While a Coach is Besieged

The impact of Vaibhav’s performance was felt far beyond the boundary ropes. In his hometown of Samastipur, the victory was celebrated like an early Holi and Diwali combined, with the entire community bursting with pride [[19]].

Meanwhile, in Patna, his childhood coach, Manish Ojha, found his phone buzzing non-stop. The calls weren’t just congratulatory messages from well-wishers. They included a flood of requests from parents desperate to replicate the magic, with one even pleading, “Sir, mera beta do saal ka hai, usko cricketer Vaibhav bana dijiye (My son is two years old, make him like Vaibhav)” [[20]]. This anecdote perfectly captures the almost mythical status Vaibhav has achieved overnight.

The Grueling Journey Behind the Glory

The fairy-tale innings in Harare was the product of years of relentless, unseen toil. Vaibhav’s journey began in earnest under the watchful eye of coach Manish Ojha. From the age of eight, he would travel the 100-kilometer distance from his village in Samastipur to Patna for rigorous training sessions [[19], [25]].

Ojha’s academy was no place for the faint-hearted. Vaibhav was known to face up to 600 balls a day, honing his technique and building the immense power that is now his trademark [[22]]. Stories from those early days tell of bats routinely shattered by the sheer force of his shots, a testament to his raw, untamed talent [[24]]. This grueling foundation, built on discipline and hard work, is what allowed him to deliver on the biggest stage.

Why Test Cricket Remains the Ultimate Seal of Approval

Sanjeev Sooryavanshi’s benchmark is deeply rooted in cricket’s history. Test cricket is the ultimate test of a player’s skill, temperament, and endurance. It demands mastery over all facets of the game—defence, patience, concentration, and the ability to adapt to varying conditions over five long days.

While a blistering 175 in a U-19 final is a phenomenal achievement, it exists in a controlled environment. The senior Test arena is a different beast altogether, where the best players in the world compete with decades of experience. For a father who has seen his son’s dedication firsthand, this is the only arena that truly matters. It’s a challenge that will push Vaibhav to evolve from a prodigious hitter into a complete, world-class batsman—a journey that has now officially begun.

Conclusion

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 175 is a moment of pure sporting genius, but his father’s words are the real story. They are a powerful reminder that true greatness in cricket is not measured in viral highlights or age-group records, but in the ability to stand tall in the most demanding format of the game. With this humble yet ambitious goalpost firmly in place, Vaibhav’s journey from a U-19 sensation to a potential Indian Test mainstay promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in the sport for years to come.

Sources

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