Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old sensation who lit up IPL 2025 with explosive performances, is already being hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket. But amid fan frenzy and social media comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, former India cricketer and selector Venkatapathy Raju has urged the BCCI to slow down and let the prodigy mature through the right pathways.
IPL Stardom at 14
Picked for ₹1.10 crore by Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi made his IPL debut on April 19, smashing 34 off 20 balls. But it was his 101 off 38 against Gujarat Titans that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world — making him the youngest-ever centurion in IPL history and second-fastest overall behind Chris Gayle.
Hype Meets History
The rising star’s aggressive style and consistency — also seen in a recent 190-run knock for India U-19 — triggered comparisons to a young Sachin Tendulkar. But Raju dismissed these parallels, reminding fans of Tendulkar’s rare consistency in four- and five-day formats.
“Sachin hit centuries on debut in Ranji, Duleep, and Irani Trophy — all long-format games. That’s a different level of readiness,” said Raju.
‘Don’t Rush Him into Team India’
Raju emphasized the need for patience:
“He needs to shine in U-19 World Cups, play 4-day domestic cricket, and prove his mettle consistently.”
Despite his IPL fireworks, Raju said Suryavanshi should earn his India cap through traditional formats to build the right temperament.
From Bihar to Global Buzz
Born in March 2011, Vaibhav began playing cricket at age 4, coached initially by his father. At just 12, he debuted in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Bihar U-19. He made headlines in the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup, hitting 76 vs UAE and 67 vs Sri Lanka.
Currently on tour with India U-19 in England, the boy wonder is focused on proving he’s more than a flash in the pan.
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