Former India coach urges BCCI to prevent downfall of Suryavanshi like Kambli & Shaw

A 14-year-old cricketing prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, is rapidly capturing the imagination of the cricketing world with his extraordinary skill. Recently, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Vaibhav impressed everyone by scoring a stunning century in only 35 balls, achieving the second-fastest century in IPL history. This remarkable achievement has established him as one of India's most promising young cricketers.

Emerging Talent Under Scrutiny

Despite the acclaim surrounding Vaibhav's talent, former India coach, Greg Chappell, cautions against the risks associated with early fame. He advises the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to handle Vaibhav's development with care, drawing parallels to the experiences of cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli.

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Chappell notes that Tendulkar's success stemmed not only from his talent but also from a solid support system. "He had a calm demeanour, a wise mentor, and a family that protected him from distractions," Chappell points out. In contrast, Vinod Kambli, who demonstrated equal or even greater flair, faced difficulties maintaining discipline amid stardom, leading to a decline in his career.

Lessons From Past

Chappell also reflected on the career of Prithvi Shaw, another young player from Mumbai, who showed great promise from an early age. Shaw captained India to a U-19 World Cup win in 2018 and had a promising start with a century against the West Indies on his international debut. However, his career has hit roadblocks due to issues with discipline, fitness, and off-field controversies.

Challenge of Longevity

In India, comparisons to Tendulkar are inescapable for any emerging cricket talent. However, it is crucial for Vaibhav to receive the right mentorship to transform his exceptional talent into a long-standing career and avoid succumbing to the pressures of early stardom. Chappell appeals to the BCCI, IPL teams, and the media to create a supportive yet protective environment for Vaibhav. "Young talent needs to be guided and not just celebrated; it should be nurtured and protected from premature exploitation," Chappell said.

The cricket community is hopeful for Vaibhav's future as attention now focuses not only on his performance on the field but equally on how well he is supported off it.