BCCI backs Sooryavanshi to follow Tendulkar’s footsteps

At just 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already carrying the kind of expectations that usually come with years of experience. In barely two years on the professional circuit, the Bihar prodigy has emerged as one of Indian cricket’s biggest talking points, setting records at a breathtaking pace since making his international debut this year.

His rapid rise and long-term future were among the key talking points at a crucial review meeting held by various stakeholders at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday.

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Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest male cricketer to represent India during the T20I series in England in July, has already drawn comparisons with batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

BCCI secretary Saikia said the board wants the youngster to build a career that could eventually reach the heights achieved by the legendary Mumbaikar.

“We want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or any player of his stature to continue and serve like Sachin Tendulkar did for the country or other players who in the past became legends,” Saikia told reporters.

We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one-series or one-year wonder.

BCCI secretary Saikia

“So we look at Vaibhav in a very serious manner. He’s monitored from every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career. The BCCI is taking a very close look at his future.”

However, the board is in no hurry to throw the teenager into bigger assignments.

Saikia stressed that Sooryavanshi’s development will be handled carefully, with the BCCI determined to ensure that his early success translates into a sustained international career rather than a fleeting burst of form.

“We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one-series or one-year wonder,” he said.BCCI secretary Saikia

The BCCI, meanwhile, is keeping a close eye on a wider group of teenage prospects. According to Saikia, around 10 to 15 players in the same age bracket are being monitored as part of the board’s long-term planning.

“We are looking at all the players, not only Vaibhav’s relevance, but there are about 10–15 players who are in our targeted group,” Saikia said.

“They are constantly monitored by our COE head, VVS Laxman, who is taking keen interest in their future and their training and skill development.”

Sooryavanshi’s journey has already been filled with milestones despite his age.

After an underwhelming T20I debut in England, where he scored 14, 13 and 15 in his three innings, the left-hander bounced back in emphatic fashion.

He was named player of the series after India swept Zimbabwe 3-0, before producing another record-breaking performance for India A in the Tri-Nation series in Sri Lanka.

There, Sooryavanshi smashed the fastest-ever List A century, further enhancing his reputation as one of the most exciting young batters in the game.

His rapid progression has also been recognised in domestic cricket, with the teenager elevated to East Zone’s vice-captain for the season-opening Duleep Trophy.

Sooryavanshi came close to adding another landmark to his growing list in the semifinal against Central Zone.

A quickfire fifty made him the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy, although he narrowly missed out on a maiden first-class century.

For now, the BCCI appears intent on keeping expectations in check. But with records already tumbling at an extraordinary rate, the spotlight on India’s teenage sensation is only getting brighter.