Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has dismissed comparisons between 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, saying that Tendulkar’s brilliance at a young age was “freakish” and remains unmatched in cricket history.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Waugh referenced Tendulkar’s incredible century at the WACA in Perth in 1992 when he was just 18 years old, calling it one of the rarest feats ever achieved in international cricket.
“I don’t think you can compare anyone to Sachin Tendulkar,” Waugh said. “To score a century at Perth — the toughest pitch in world cricket — as a teenager was a freakish performance.”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Historic IPL Debut Draws Praise
Despite downplaying the comparison, Waugh acknowledged the extraordinary potential of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made headlines this season by scoring a century off just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans — the fastest by any player under 18 in IPL history.
Suryavanshi ended the season with 252 runs in just 7 matches, striking at a phenomenal rate of 206.56 — a rare achievement for someone just 14 years old.
“I would never have expected a 14-year-old to score a hundred in the IPL. That was unthinkable,” Waugh admitted. “He’s got skill, mental toughness, and a great backstory. That’s what makes him special.”
The Challenge Ahead for Suryavanshi
While lauding Suryavanshi’s temperament and talent, Waugh was quick to note the challenge of maintaining consistency as expectations rise.
“The challenge for him is — can he continue with the same freedom and enthusiasm as he has this year? That’s the test,” said Waugh. “It’s a great story for cricket, and I’m watching it closely.”
With the retirement of Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, young talents like Suryavanshi may represent the next wave of stars — but Waugh’s words serve as a reminder that legends like Tendulkar are once-in-a-generation.
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