"You won't see that impact in numbers" - Ajay Jadeja lauds Vaibhav Suryavanshi's knock in NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Former India player Ajay Jadeja has lauded Vaibhav Suryavanshi for playing an impactful knock in the third T20I against New Zealand. The analyst highlighted that the 15-year-old's impact cannot be judged by numbers and is similar to Sachin Tendulkar's when he arrived on the international stage.

New Zealand posted 198/3 after being asked to bat first in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. Suryavanshi smashed a 19-ball 45 in the chase as the visitors registered a six-wicket win with 40 balls to spare.

During a discussion on Sony Sports, Jadeja noted that Suryavanshi's childishness makes him special and that his impact goes beyond numbers.

"He hit a huge six over point on the second or third ball itself. One reason you feel happy is because of his age, and that's the strength because of which he is able to do this. Abhishek Sharma said what he was thinking about, that it was swinging and that he spoke to everyone. That childishness makes him special, and that's why he has fans all over the world because he is doing things differently," the former India all-rounder said.

"He didn't score a century today. When Tendulkar came to play as a 16-year-old, his style was totally different from his seniors. Only a young player can make that impact. An experienced player walks slightly cautiously. You see his impact on the team as well. You won't see that impact in numbers, but those watching the match are seeing that impact. If he is playing like this, how can the player at the other end stop?" he added.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi struck four fours and as many sixes during his 45-run knock. He added 133 runs for the opening wicket with Abhishek Sharma in just 7.1 overs.

"I felt Abhishek got confidence after watching him" - Ajinkya Rahane on Vaibhav Suryavanshi's knock in NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

In the same discussion, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane opined that Vaibhav Suryavanshi's first-ball four instilled confidence in Abhishek Sharma.

"I felt Abhishek gained confidence after watching him - the first ball he hit over mid-on. Abhishek even said that he got confidence after watching Vaibhav. The first good thing was that he got a chance to open," he said.

While expressing happiness about Suryavanshi being promoted to the top of the order, the cricketer-turned-commentator added that the youngster would continue delighting fans in years to come.

"He is 15 years old and had never played at No. 3. So it was good that he came to open and the way he scored runs. One feels happy watching him, but one felt happier today because of the confidence with which he played. He has always had the intent. The happiness the fans got, we will keep seeing that in the upcoming years," Rahane observed.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a four and a six off Jacob Duffy's bowling in the first three balls of India's chase. Abhishek Sharma then hit a six off the fifth ball before the New Zealand pacer conceded five wides, with the 26-run first over giving the required momentum to India's chase.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️