Whether it is his innocence or his blistering batting, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become a fan favourite. At just 15, Sooryavanshi is taking on international bowlers without fear. He can smash sixes, score runs at a stunning pace and put opposition attacks under pressure. Yet, away from the cricket field, he is still a young boy who brings out the protective side of people around him.A recent video from Wellington, New Zealand, shows exactly why the teenager has become a fan favourite in such a short time.After India’s third T20I against New Zealand, Sooryavanshi went near the boundary to sign autographs for fans. As he interacted with the crowd, a woman called out to him from the stands.“Vaibhav… hum log bhi Ballia se hain. Kaise ho, theek ho? Garam paani piyo, thanda mat peena [Vaibhav, we are also from Ballia. How are you? Are you fine? Drink warm water, don’t drink cold water],” she said.Sooryavanshi smiled and then continued signing autographs for his fans.The brief exchange has gone viral on social media.

Fearless with the bat, innocent off the field

Sooryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, he smashed 45 runs off just 19 balls, giving India a flying start in their chase of 199.At the other end, Abhishek Sharma played a sensational knock of 113 off 38 balls. The opening pair added 133 runs in just 7.1 overs as India reached the target in 13.2 overs, winning by six wickets and taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.India’s aggressive start left the New Zealand bowlers with little time to settle. The team scored 118 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay, setting a new record for the highest team total in the first six overs of a men’s T20 International.Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI after the match, Abhishek revealed that Sooryavanshi had spoken about playing fearlessly during their net session.“Yesterday, Vaibhav told me something in the nets that I will play the same way as in the Milkha Singh movie Bhag Milkha Bhag dialogue ‘Bhaiya, khelunga bhi waise hi’,” Abhishek said.The line, inspired by the Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, means, “Brother, I will play the same way.”Sooryavanshi backed up those words with his performance against New Zealand. Abhishek said the youngster’s aggressive start also gave confidence to the batter at the other end.“When you are chasing 200 or 190, his first ball, first over, is his main fast baller. And if you show such aggression as an opener. Because I was on the other side, so I saw that. On the first ball, the non-striker gets excited,” Abhishek said.He also made sure to acknowledge the teenager’s contribution to the win.“I feel special mention to Vaibhav. What he did today, I think, played a very crucial role today. So it goes to him,” he added.