When Sachin Tendulkar was a youngster, there was a lot of excitement about what he could be, before he was the biggest cricket icon for India. Many feel it is an occasion of repetition to them and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a repeat player.
It’s quite unexpected that a young 15-year-old lefthander has turned out to be the buzz of the Indian cricket scene. His progression has been so fast that comparisons by former players, coaches and fans is becoming an issue. Some feel it is a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, others say that it’s an approach of the fearless T20 champions of today. But the truth is that Vaibhav is fashioning a narrative all his own.
Most teenage cricketers do not have the ability to score runs like he does; it’s the way that he scores runs. From veteran internationals to young domestic talent, Vaibhav is extremely confident on the attack. He has seemingly not been a player impacted by pressure moments and his cool under fire has become a big part of his game.
His big break came on the greatest stage. Although many youngsters take time to settle into the high level of competition, Vaibhav didn’t need that kind of time and looked at ease among the big guns. Bowlers who had troubled international players were put to the test against a teenager who was not to be daunted.
When talking about great batting talents, cricket experts talk about natural timing and hand-eye coordination. Both these seem to be present in abundance in Vaibhav. He has the ability to hit balls for distance early and without having to swing hard to pull them out in the corners and ends, and has become one of the most dangerous young batters in the game.
But the numbers have only fueled the hype even further. He has always been playing age-group cricket, domestic cricket and also the franchise leagues, where he has always been able to keep his grade on par with and above his age. Each tournament appears to be a new milestone, a new record and a reminder of his incredible potential.
But what has amazed those who have observed him is his attitude. Despite the attention, sponsorship opportunities and expectations of millions of fans, Vaibhav still talks about long term goals instead of short term success. “He’s somebody who is steadfast in his desire to get better and continue to be a successful player in every aspect of the game,” his peers say.
The move to India’s senior setup has been seen as the next in a series of steps that could shape the future of Indian cricket in the years to come. He’ll be one of the youngest to represent his country at the highest level if he is allowed to play internationally.
As in all sports, cricket has its brilliant youngsters who were unable to deal with expectations. That’s why, for now, many experts are wary despite the excitement. Talent doesn’t simply cut it. If Vaibhav is going to live up to the huge promise that surrounds him, it will be down to consistency, fitness, adaptability and mental strength.
But, for now, Indian cricket is in very unique situation. It’s not just looking at a bright young child. It’s seeing a player who’s already proven to many people that he could be one of the legends of his generation.
It is unknown whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will manage to achieve those heights or not, but a couple of things are sure, cricket fans across the world will follow every step of his journey.
