Dambulla: India’s much-anticipated tri-series campaign against Sri Lanka A got off to a mixed start as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to make a significant impact in his first outing after earning a call-up to the senior Indian T20I squad.
Playing in the opening match of the Tri-Nation A Series in Dambulla, the 15-year-old left-hander walked out amid huge expectations following his record-breaking IPL 2026 season. However, Sooryavanshi’s stay at the crease was short-lived as he managed just 14 runs off 12 deliveries before being dismissed.
The young batter had become the centre of attention ahead of the tournament after his remarkable rise through the ranks and his recent selection in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Cricket experts and fans were eager to see whether he could replicate his explosive IPL form in the 50-over format.
While Sooryavanshi’s innings ended early, India A found stability through Priyansh Arya, who took charge of the innings and ensured the team maintained momentum after the early setbacks. The tri-series, which also features Afghanistan A, is being viewed as an important platform for several emerging Indian players to stake their claim for higher honours.
The tournament is being led by Tilak Varma, who captains a squad featuring several standout performers from IPL 2026, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. Selectors are closely monitoring the performances of these players as India continues to build its next generation of international cricketers.
Although the result of the match remains important, much of the spotlight continues to be on Sooryavanshi, whose rapid rise has made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. The teenager will now look to bounce back strongly in the remaining matches of the tri-series.
