Former star questions U19 path for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, flags long-term development concerns

Former India women’s team head coach WV Raman has sparked debate with a strong view on the career path of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, suggesting that Under-19 cricket may no longer be the right platform for the 14-year-old prodigy.

Raman’s comments came as India opened their Under-19 World Cup campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over the USA (via the DLS method) in Bulawayo under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre. While the team celebrated a positive start, Raman shifted focus to the broader developmental roadmap of one of India’s most exciting young talents.

Suryavanshi’s rapid rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. After making headlines in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals last season, he etched his name into the record books as the youngest Indian to score a century in the league. The left-hander then carried his prolific form overseas, producing eye-catching performances in Australia, England and South Africa, before earning a call-up to India A for the Rising Stars Asia Cup.

Given that exposure, Raman believes pushing Suryavanshi back into age-group cricket could limit rather than enhance his progress. While acknowledging that the youngster would likely dominate at the U19 level, he argued that short-term success should not override long-term planning.

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Taking to social media, Raman described his view as an “unpopular opinion,” but stressed that Suryavanshi’s IPL and India A experience places him at a different stage of development. According to Raman, the focus should remain on nurturing the teenager with higher-level challenges that align with his growth and potential, rather than simply chasing wins in junior tournaments.

Suryavanshi is part of India’s U19 World Cup squad in Group B, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand and the USA, and expectations remain high. However, Raman’s remarks have reopened discussion on how best to manage prodigious talent in modern cricket, especially when players break through far earlier than the traditional system anticipates.