Mohammad Kaif: India's young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might be nervous for Zimbabwe tour

The 15-year-old enjoyed memorable success at the venue earlier this year, scoring two centuries during the knockout stages of the Under-19 World Cup.

However, the youngster now faces growing pressure after managing just 42 runs at an average of 14.00, despite striking at 168.00, in India's recent series against England.

After replacing Sanju Samson in the side, he was omitted for the final match in Southampton following difficulties against the short ball, particularly from Jofra Archer.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Sooryavanshi could be carrying some nerves after his slow start but insisted the Rajasthan Royals star is only one good innings away from rediscovering his best. He also noted that the opener showed encouraging signs without converting his starts into significant scores.

Sooryavanshi, who earned a rapid promotion after an exceptional IPL 2026 campaign, retained his place despite missing the Ireland series.

Kaif also urged India to prioritise helping Shreyas Iyer register his first victory as national captain after difficult tours of Ireland and England, rather than dwelling on long-term leadership discussions. Since April 25, Iyer has won only one of his last 14 matches as captain.

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got the chance, but a big score did not come from his bat. He would also wish that he contributes for the team, because he is a class batter," Mohammad Kaif said on Cricbuzz.

"It is a huge thing to win the Orange Cap in the IPL as a 15-year-old. Right now, he might be nervous. If he scores a 50-6o run knock, then he will shine. He is a great talent, there is no doubt about that at all.

"Even before the India captaincy, Shreyas Iyer had a losing run in the second half of IPL 2026. Then lie got the opportunity to lead India, before that he was not even in the team. He came into the team as captain, and this has never happened before in Indian cricketing history.

"Now, after losing against Ireland, where no one expected India to lose, and then after losing to England, the captain is the one who is under the most pressure.

"At least get off the mark, right now, we are not even able to start. We will run the marathon, but we are not even able to hit the 100-metre mark. So, that pressure will be there." 

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