Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the talk of the cricketing world after scoring a jaw-dropping 35-ball century in the IPL. At just 14, he now holds the record for the second-fastest century in the tournament’s history. His extraordinary knock has earned him headlines—and comparisons with cricketing greats.
Chappell’s Stern Warning to BCCI
Former India coach Greg Chappell has stepped in with a serious message: protect Vaibhav’s future. Writing in ESPNCricinfo, Chappell compared Vaibhav’s early success to that of three Indian cricketers—Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, and Prithvi Shaw—who each had very different trajectories.
“Talent can’t be bubble-wrapped, but it can be provided a buffer,” Chappell stated.
“It must be guided, not glorified; nurtured, not just marketed.”
The Sachin-Kambli-Shaw Comparison
Chappell highlighted how Tendulkar succeeded not just due to skill, but because of a structured support system—a wise coach, a grounded family, and a focus on discipline.
In contrast, Vinod Kambli, despite being equally talented and scoring two consecutive double centuries in Tests, failed to manage fame. His career ended early, and he struggled with off-field issues including health problems and alcoholism.
Similarly, Prithvi Shaw, who led India to a U-19 World Cup title and scored a century on Test debut, has seen a steep decline. Once hailed as the next big star, Shaw now finds himself unsold in the IPL and out of the national selectors’ radar due to discipline and fitness issues.
“Don’t Exploit, Nurture”: Chappell’s Message to IPL and Media
Chappell directed his message not only to the BCCI but also to IPL franchises and the media.
“The cricketing ecosystem must ensure Vaibhav is not exploited. Marketing should not override mentorship,” he cautioned.
He emphasized the need to build a long-term plan for Vaibhav, allowing him to grow at his own pace and avoid the pitfalls that derailed other promising careers.
A Talent Too Precious to Mismanage
India has seen prodigies rise and fall before. Greg Chappell’s plea is a wake-up call to avoid past mistakes. With proper support, Vaibhav Suryavanshi could go on to become one of Indian cricket’s brightest stars.
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