England fast bowler Josh Tongue spoke highly of young India opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, before this third T20I in the current series. Even if the 15-year-old managed only 14 runs in his debut at Manchester, he somehow impressed everyone , with that fearless way he batted.

 

Vaibhav smacked two sixes in a pretty short spell in the middle. One came against Jofra Archer, and another was dispatched off Josh Tongue. That aggressive mindset really got noticed by both fans and players , even though India ended up losing the game.

 

Tongue praises the young opener

 

Before the third T20I at Trent Bridge, Josh Tongue attended the pre-match press conference. During the chat, he was asked about bowling to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the first time, like it wasn’t even a question but a proper curiosity.

 

Tongue said he had already watched the youngster during IPL 2026 and basically understood what he could do with the bat. He admitted that Vaibhav’s sixes (yeah plural, apparently) put him under pressure, but also said he stayed steady and trusted his own plan.

 

Tongue said:

 

“I'd seen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bat during the IPL. He's a sensational talent. He hit me for a six, so I was under a bit of pressure, but I stayed focused on my plans and backed my skills.”

 

Vaibhav is expected to keep his spot in India’s playing XI for the third T20I. With Sanju Samson struggling to find runs, the younger batter is likely to stay up top and keep opening the innings.

 

Also Read | England announced unchanged playing XI for third T20I against India at Trent Bridge

 

Tongue wants to succeed in every format

 

Josh Tongue also talked about his bigger goals with the England squad. The fast bowler said he wants to become an important figure across all three formats of international cricket, not just one corner of the game.

 

He Added:

 

“I want to be a big impact bowler in every format, in Tests, T20s and 50 overs as well. Obviously I struggled with injuries a few years back, but that’s part of being a fast bowler. I’ve always wanted to play three formats for England.”

 

Tongue has worked hard to come back after multiple injury troubles. And the performances he showed against India, made it clear he’s back at full fitness, ready to carry more responsibility on the field.

 

Hard work helped him return

 

The England pacer also explained how rough the recovery stretch was. He said there were moments where he wasn’t even sure if he’d play cricket again, but he didn’t stop grinding.

 

He further said:

 

“With the injuries I had a few years ago, not knowing if I was still going to be playing cricket, I put a lot of hard work in at the gym, running as well. There were some gloomy days in the gym, where you feel the walls are getting closer and closer, but that’s the hard work you need to put in to make sure you can stay out on the park and keep representing England. I want to play as many games as I can because it’s a privilege.”

 

The third T20I should set up another lively contest, and once again, attention will be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. After showing that fearless intent in his first appearance, the opener will be hoping to turn a promising start into something properly big, like a real innings.