14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricketing world when he smashed a breathtaking century against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His hundred came off just 35 balls, making it the second-fastest in IPL history. The innings sparked massive excitement around the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter. However, the high was short-lived, as he was dismissed for a duck in the very next match, reminding fans of the fickle nature of cricket.
Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has weighed in on the hype surrounding the teenager, urging the cricketing fraternity to handle such prodigies with care. “Such players must be groomed with care. They are not just marketing assets, they represent the future of Indian cricket,” Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.
He drew comparisons with past Indian talents like Vinod Kambli and Prithvi Shaw, both of whom started their careers with promise but eventually lost their way. Chappell reflected on how Sachin Tendulkar’s success as a young cricketer wasn’t just about talent but also about the solid support system that surrounded him.
“Sachin Tendulkar succeeded as a teenager not simply due to talent but because of a solid support system – a stoic temperament, a wise coach, a family that protected him from the circus. On the other hand, Vinod Kambli, equally talented and perhaps more flamboyant, struggled to balance fame and discipline. His fall was as dramatic as his rise. Prithvi Shaw is another wunderkind who has fallen but may yet find a way back to the pinnacle,” Chappell wrote.
He further emphasized the responsibility of all stakeholders — including the BCCI, franchises, coaches, and media — in ensuring that Suryavanshi is allowed to grow without being overwhelmed by expectations. “It is incumbent on the cricketing ecosystem to protect him. Talent can’t be bubble-wrapped, but it can be provided a buffer. It must be guided, not glorified; nurtured, not just marketed.”
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals’ campaign has fallen off the rails this season. With eight defeats in 11 games, they are now out of the playoff race. Their next match will be against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 4, Sunday.
