Take care of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, he might end up like Kambli-Prithvi Shaw.. Former Team India coach warns BCCI

Sports News:  In IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals’ 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. Blasting a record-breaking century in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans, he not only became the second-fastest century-scorer in IPL history but also the youngest to achieve a T20 hundred. While his dazzling knock has triggered comparisons to cricket legends, experts are equally focused on how this rare talent should be protected and nurtured.

Greg Chappell’s Stern Advice: Talent Isn’t Enough

Former India head coach and Australian great Greg Chappell has weighed in with serious advice for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to him, Vaibhav’s success should not turn into a circus of fame and media frenzy. He recalled how Sachin Tendulkar succeeded not just because of his skill but due to a secure and composed environment around him. Chappell stressed that the BCCI must create a similar support system if India wants Vaibhav to thrive long-term.

The Pressure of Youth: More Than Just Runs and Records

Chappell expressed deep concern about the emotional fragility that comes with adolescence. Fame at such a young age, if left unchecked, could lead to downfall instead of development. He cited examples of Vinod Kambli and Prithvi Shaw—both immensely talented, but unable to cope with sudden stardom. Kambli’s career burned out as quickly as it rose, and Shaw continues to battle inconsistency and distractions.

Cricket Ecosystem Must Share the Responsibility

The BCCI alone cannot shoulder the task of mentoring this young phenom, Chappell argued. IPL franchises, private coaches, senior mentors, and especially the media must work together to shield Vaibhav from unnecessary pressure. “Talent cannot be locked away, but it can be cushioned,” Chappell noted. Cricket, he said, must evolve protective frameworks for prodigies who emerge early.

A Hundred Is Only the Beginning

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive century may mark the start of a phenomenal career, but it also opens the door to immense scrutiny, expectations, and potential burnout. His story is still being written. While fans are quick to compare him with teenage Tendulkar, the true test lies in how he matures as a cricketer and as a person. If handled with care, India may be nurturing its next cricketing legend—one who could not only shatter records but redefine what young excellence looks like in the modern game.