India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says his confidence has received a major boost after becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in international cricket during the opening T20I against Zimbabwe.
The teenage batter lit up Harare Sports Club with a blistering innings, reaching his fifty in just 18 deliveries before eventually falling for 50 off 19 balls.
His explosive knock featured four boundaries and four sixes and helped India make a flying start to the series.
Sooryavanshi credits family and coaches
Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Sooryavanshi admitted making an impact so early in his international career has strengthened his belief.
"When it's the starting phase of your career, and you get these kinds of innings early on, and you perform well, it builds confidence for the upcoming matches," he told BCCI.tv.
"It felt like I was in my zone and I just backed my strengths. That was all."
Despite the personal milestone, the young opener said his success belonged to everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.
"I would like to dedicate this (fifty) to my family, my coaches, and to everyone who has supported me along my journey, through every good and bad phase," he added.
He also explained the meaning behind the celebrations that followed his landmark innings.
"I did that celebration for my mum, and the other one was based on a conversation with Rinku (Singh) bhaiya."
Harare proving a happy hunting ground for Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi has already built an impressive record at Harare Sports Club.
Earlier this year, the left-hander smashed a remarkable 175 from just 80 balls at the same venue to inspire India to the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup title.
He acknowledged that he enjoys batting in Harare but insisted he remains focused on contributing wherever he represents India.
"You could say that I like the vibe here," he continued.
"There are some grounds where you just love scoring runs. I'm not taking this for granted at all. I'm just trying to give my best, contribute to the team, perform well wherever I play."
India and Zimbabwe will meet again in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, with Sooryavanshi hoping to continue his outstanding start to international cricket.
