Vivek Razdan Calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a ‘Miracle,’ Urges Measured Approach to Teenage Star’s Workload

New Delhi, September 12: India is set to begin its next T20I assignment on home soil tomorrow, facing Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring established stars such as Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson, the squad also includes the explosive Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is eager to make his mark on the international stage.

Sooryavanshi has experienced a volatile start to his career, making history as India’s youngest-ever debutant at just 15 years old. In six appearances, the left-handed opener has amassed 193 runs at an impressive strike rate of 189.21, including two half-centuries.

However, Sooryavanshi’s rapid ascent has sparked discussions regarding workload management. With a history of injuries affecting the national team and the upcoming Asian Games, selectors are facing a critical question: is the teenage sensation being overexposed too early in his career?

During a recent roundtable conference with the media, former cricketer and commentator Vivek Razdan emphasized the unique value Sooryavanshi brings to the team.

‘You Cannot Really Escape From Exposing Him’

Razdan argued that it is nearly impossible to shield Sooryavanshi from the international spotlight given his existing prominence in the IPL and his early success with the national side.

“You cannot really escape exposing him because he has already played in the IPL. It is not as if you are rushing him too soon. He has already done something remarkable. It is a miracle,” Razdan stated.

“Everyone needs to understand that miracles are not made; they are born. We have seen such miracles in cricket before, and Vaibhav is one of them. The important thing now is how we handle him.”

Razdan noted that while T20 cricket offers a unique platform, the real challenge for the youngster will be maintaining consistency year after year to elevate his game to the next level.

While acknowledging that exposure is inevitable, Razdan stressed the need for caution. With a congested international calendar and the Asian Games approaching, he believes the priority must be the player’s long-term development.

“The challenge is how to handle him… I feel a little more patience can be shown. There is no hurry; the car is not going anywhere,” Razdan added. “We have players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson—who performed brilliantly in the World Cup with a strike rate of 200—so we can afford to be patient with Vaibhav. He is a horse for the long race.”

Razdan’s insights highlight the delicate balancing act facing Indian management: leveraging Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary talent while protecting his physical and mental well-being.

The Legacy of Sachin Tendulkar: A Lesson in Patience

To illustrate his point, Razdan drew a parallel to Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted for India at age 16 in 1989 and evolved into one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport.

“In 1989, a 15-year-old youngster joined the Indian team, traveled with us to Pakistan, and eventually played 200 Test matches and received the Bharat Ratna. We hope Vaibhav also turns out to be such a miracle and makes his country proud. But for that to happen, patience is vital. He should not be placed under unnecessary pressure.”

The trajectory of Tendulkar’s career serves as a reminder that generational talent requires more than just opportunity—it requires a supportive environment and meticulous management to ensure longevity.

For Sooryavanshi, while the comparisons to legends are inevitable, the immediate goal remains clear: fostering his growth at a sustainable pace while allowing his natural talent to shine.

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