By Rohit - Jun 27, 2025 11:34 PM
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old IPL breakout star, is wasting no time proving that his T20 fireworks weren’t just a one-off. In the opening Youth ODI against England U19s at Hove, the teenage sensation smashed 48 off just 19 balls to help India cruise to a six-wicket victory, with a staggering 26 overs to spare.
If anyone thought Suryavanshi’s record-breaking IPL century was a fluke, this innings sent a strong reminder: the boy is here to stay. Known already as the youngest centurion in men’s T20s, he has now kick-started his U19 international journey in a similar style.
Suryavanshi walked out at No. 3 and immediately got going, flicking, pulling, and driving fearlessly. In one over from Jack Home, he smashed 21 runs, including two sixes and a top-edged four. The left-hander’s knock included five sixes and three fours, showcasing a level of composure and timing beyond his age.
His entertaining cameo ended when he tried to take on spinner Ralphie Albert and mistimed a big shot to point. But by then, the damage was done.
Though India lost a couple of wickets after Suryavanshi’s exit, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu (45 off 50)* kept the chase on track. He stitched together smart partnerships, rotated strike well, and ensured India didn’t get complacent after a dominant start.
Captain Ayush Mhatre also played a short but important role (24 off 22), putting on a 71-run stand with Suryavanshi that broke England’s back early in the chase.
For England, Rocky Flintoff, yes, son of former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, was the lone warrior. Coming in with the scoreboard already shaky, he stood tall with a composed 56 off 90 balls, laced with three sixes and as many boundaries.
Earlier, Isaac Mohammed, one of England’s two debutants, showed promise with a whirlwind 42 off 28, including four towering sixes. He’s already drawing attention not just because he’s related to Moeen Ali, but because of his aggressive instincts.
But after Isaac’s dismissal, the innings crumbled. Ben Dawkins edged one early, and after Isaac’s departure, the middle-order collapsed under pressure. India’s bowlers tightened the screws and ran through the lower order with ease.
This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. Beating England in England is never easy, but doing it with such dominance, while fielding a 14-year-old sensation, is exceptional. India’s depth at the U19 level continues to look impressive, and with talents like Suryavanshi leading the charge, the future looks bright.
The five-match ODI series continues, and if this game was any indication, England will need something special to stop this Indian youth machine.
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