Vaibhav Suryavanshi Isn't the Next Sachin Despite Record-Breaking Performances

Advertisment

At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken Indian cricket by storm with a series of breathtaking performances that have drawn inevitable comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. However, cricket experts are urging caution, insisting that while the young prodigy possesses exceptional talent, comparisons to one of cricket's all-time greats may be premature.

The Bihar teenager has rewritten record books across multiple formats in recent months. His explosive batting display in IPL 2025, where he scored 252 runs in seven matches at a striking rate of 206.55 for Rajasthan Royals, announced his arrival on the big stage. His crowning achievement came with a sensational 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, making him both the youngest centurion in T20 cricket and the fastest Indian to reach three figures in the tournament.

Suryavanshi's record-breaking spree continued in domestic cricket, where he smashed a stunning 190 off just 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Arunachal Pradesh. His 36-ball century became the third-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket, while his 59-ball 150 shattered AB de Villiers' long-standing record for the fastest 150 in the format.

Advertisment

The performances prompted Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to draw parallels with Tendulkar, urging the BCCI to fast-track the youngster into the national team. Former India captain Krishnamachary Srikkanth echoed these sentiments, noting that Tendulkar himself debuted at 16 and suggesting Suryavanshi deserves similar opportunities in white-ball cricket.

However, not everyone is convinced by the comparisons. Former India cricketer Venkatapathy Raju cautioned against hasty judgments, emphasizing that Tendulkar had proven himself across multiple domestic tournaments before his international debut. Australian legend Steve Waugh was even more emphatic, stating that Tendulkar's freakish century in Perth as a teenager on one of cricket's toughest pitches set him apart as an incomparable talent.

Under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals and guided by his father Sanjeev Suryavanshi, the young batting sensation appears to be in capable hands. His childhood coach Manish Ojha compared the father-son relationship to that of Sachin and his brother Ajit Tendulkar, highlighting the importance of strong support systems.

Advertisment

While Suryavanshi's talent is undeniable and his achievements remarkable for someone so young, the cricket fraternity agrees that patience and proper nurturing will be crucial for his development. The teenager is currently with India's U19 squad preparing for the World Cup, a platform where he can continue his journey toward potential greatness.