'This kid won't let him come back' - Irfan Pathan's massive claim on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after ZIM vs IND 2026 T20Is

Irfan Pathan praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mayank Yadav after India won the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe by 35 runs at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 26. The Men in Blue completed a 3-0 whitewash with their win on Sunday, a much-needed result after losing a total of six T20Is in Ireland and England in recent weeks.

In the third T20I, Sooryavanshi smashed 81 off just 49 balls on a tricky surface. The 15-year-old belted eight fours and four sixes, helping India post 192/5 in 20 overs. In reply, Zimbabwe were restricted to 157/7.

Pathan was in awe of Sooryavanshi's performance and backed the young opener to cement his spot in the Indian team.

"Jiski Bhi jagah lega ye bachha use wapis Nahi aane dega… (Whoever this kid replaces, he will not let them come back) How Special this Vaibhav Suryavanshi is??" he tweeted on his official X handle.

Pathan was also impressed by Mayank Yadav's performance in the series. On Sunday, he bagged a three-for and finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with five scalps.

"Congratulations team India for winning t20 series vs Zimbabwe. Mayank Yadav & Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been the biggest plus," the former India all-rounder wrote.

Sooryavanshi won the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. He finished with two half-centuries across the three matches. The southpaw was the highest run-getter in the series, amassing 151 runs in three innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 196.10.

India's next assignment is a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first Test begins on August 15 in Galle.