Young Cricket Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi Impresses but Coach Dravid Cautions against Getting too Excited

In India where fresh talents are unearthed nearly every alternate day it is still a surprise to see someone as young as 14 making waves before millions. Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals has done exactly that and folks are already terming him a cricket sensation. But while fans and media are quick to celebrate his talent former Indian captain and current coach Rahul Dravid is asking everyone to slow down and be realistic. According to him, it is necessary to support the young cricketer without placing too much burden on him too early.

Dravid has witnessed numerous young players bloom and wither away throughout his cricketing career. From Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prithvi Shaw he has seen careers pan out in various ways. While some have reached the pinnacle instantly, others have taken time to get into the groove. And hence he thinks that it is essential not to compare Suryavanshi with greats such as Sachin Tendulkar. Although Vaibhav is younger than Sachin was at the time of his debut Dravid brings home the point that every player's career is unique.

It is not only his age that makes Suryavanshi special but also how he plays under pressure. He plays with fearlessness and confidence which is not typical of a player so young. His maturity in playing a variety of cricket shots and making rapid judgment of the ball is remarkable. Dravid has complimented his hand-eye coordination and natural ability which make him a special talent. But at the same time, he has made it clear that Vaibhav is still learning and getting better and it is unjust to term him a finished product already.

You always want to find the next big cricket sensation and sometimes that desire turns into crazy expectations. Dravid has talked candidly about how early success can at times turn into a burden. He gave examples from the sporting arena such as tennis great Martina Hingis who began young accomplished much early but retired at 22 because of stress and injuries. The message is loud and clear early success does not mean long term happiness or a smooth ride.

Dravid also acknowledged that it would be hard to protect Vaibhav from the limelight since the world of cricket in India is intense. He knows the fans and media will continue to talk about the young cricketer but he wishes there can be a balance. It is essential to give Vaibhav the space to relish his game as a teenager and also ready him to cope with fame. A solid support group around him will be crucial to support him in improving as a cricketer and an individual.

Rajasthan Royals' batting coach even Vikram Rathore has cautioned against comparing Vaibhav to legends. He feels that these comparisons are not only uncalled for but also unjust. Suryavanshi needs to be viewed as himself a talented young player who is trying hard to improve. All parties to his journey such as coaches and the media need to make sure that he is allowed to enjoy the game without feeling obligated to meet unattainable expectations.

The cricket world in India is full of stories where players began their training at a very young age some even at four years of age. With so many children aspiring to become cricket stars the competition is enormous and the pressure is high. But each young talent needs time to mature at their own speed. Not everyone will be a star overnight and that is fine.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is definitely one name that followers will get to hear a lot in the future years. His initial success is amazing and he appears to have all the abilities necessary to go long distances. But in cricket as in life, success involves the high as well as the low points. Dravid feels that it is essential to assist the young cricketers through the high and the low periods without letting their love for the sport diminish. In a country where cricket is followed like a religion, such kind of support can go a long way.

Although it is thrilling to see a young talent like Vaibhav Suryavanshi make it big, it is equally crucial to keep in mind that he is a child still learning the ropes. Talent is only the first step and with time, dedication and the proper guidance, he can go on to do great things. But for the time being he requires space to develop and play cricket without being burdened by expectations. Let him be what he is and not what we want him to be, as Dravid wisely put it.