Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry photo)
New Delhi: Former India player S Sreesanth has urged teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stay focused on cricket and avoid distraction from professional managers after his meteoric rise to fame.The 15-year-old prodigy recently earned a place in India’s squad for the tours of Ireland and England, becoming the youngest player ever to be selected for the Indian men’s team. In doing so, he broke the 36-year-old record held by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut for India at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989.
Speaking about the young man’s success, Sreesanth lauded Suryavanshi’s commitment, discipline and the sacrifices made by his family.“Man, no matter what we say about Suryavanshi… it won’t be enough. I mean, no matter how much we praise him, it will still not be enough.”“So I will say that Suryavanshi’s family… and the young kids who watch and think ‘I want to be like him too’ – you can achieve it because he showed us the way. First, Sachin Bhaghi showed us the way, then Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma came. But I would say what Vaibhav… what Vaibhav has shown, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, that is a prime example of commitment and perseverance.”
The former fast bowler remembers watching videos of Suryavanshi training relentlessly during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the role his father and coaches played in shaping his journey.“Even in Corona times, they were showing videos of him training on the balcony. His father, the man, has a lot of respect for him. Respect for all his coaches, respect for everyone because… you know, I’m from Kerala. And when people talk about ‘chances, chances’ – even in cricket today, that’s all we talk about, getting a chance.”“But traveling for four hours without even getting a guaranteed opportunity, training, staying back, coming back every day… And that’s also playing 750 to 1,000 balls a day, doing the drills… And he still says, ‘I don’t feel good when I’m rested’. And I will learn from him. I… With all my respect to all the legendary cricketers, all my respect to everyone, but what this kid has shown… Just leave him alone, man. Leave him alone. A lot of managers will come now.”
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Sreesanth then issued a word of caution, advising the youngster to stay on the ground and let his family take care of matters off the field.“Vaibhav, if you are watching this, my request to you is to leave these managers aside and focus on yourself. Your father will take care of things, your family members will take care of things. Stay away from these professional managers.”
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