Mumbai, Can he play the identical approach subsequent yr?, questioned Steve Waugh as he spoke about India’s latest IPL batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, expressing disbelief on the 14-year-old’s impeccable timing and advising him to give attention to “control” to keep away from being a supernova.
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The legendary former Australian captain, who does not observe the IPL religiously, stated Suryavanshi is a “fantastic attraction” however one which must be stored grounded for his personal good, a thought that has been echoed by a number of followers of the sport.
Suryavanshi, enjoying for Rajasthan Royals, entered historical past books with a 35-ball century in opposition to Gujarat Titans. His 101 got here off solely 38 balls and was the quickest ton in IPL for any Indian.
“I watched that century and I just couldn’t believe how well he struck the ball and how easy he was hitting the sixes and how relaxed he was,” Waugh stated in a media interplay alongside Anil Kumble, Matthew Hayden and Robin Uthappa on ‘Australian Summer time of Cricket 2025-26’ organised by JioStar, Cricket Australia and the Australian Authorities.
“As a 14-year-old, he had no concept of pressure…just play with complete freedom, so that was great to watch. I guess for him the challenge will be to keep it under control,” he added.
Waugh believes that Suryavanshi, who already has an IPL contract value over ₹one crore, can be a multi-millionaire “before he is 16 years of age” and can be confronted with the pressures and expectations.
“Can he play the same way with the same enthusiasm, the same freedom as he has done this year? That’ll be his challenge,” he added.
“He’s got a lot of skill, he’s mentally tough and he’s got a great backstory, so you want to see someone like that be successful. It’s a great story for cricket and for me watching from a long way away,” Waugh stated referring to the well-documented accounts of his dad and mom’ sacrifices to make sure his success.
“I don’t get to watch a lot of IPL games because it’s probably the wrong time of the day. But then, when someone like that comes along, you want to watch the game so he’s a fantastic attraction for the sport,” he added.
Should not be in comparison with Tendulkar
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Each teenaged batting sensation invariably attracts comparability with the enduring Sachin Tendulkar, who padded up for a Check as a 16-year-old. Waugh stated neither Suryavanshi nor anybody else deserves that comparability as a result of a expertise like Tendulkar doesn’t come alongside often.
Tendulkar’s 114 at a Check in Perth in 1991-92 as an 18-year-old nonetheless evokes awe Down Underneath.
“I don’t think you can compare anyone to Sachin Tendulkar. I mean, a 16-year-old coming out to Australia and scoring a century in Perth on the hardest, most unique pitch in world cricket where most players really struggle to play on a pitch,” he stated.
“…for him to score a century as a teenager in Perth was a freakish performance. It’s very rare you get a Sachin Tendulkar come along. But I would never have expected a 14-year-old to score a 100 in the IPL, that was unthinkable.
“Even proper now it is unthinkable. I look again to myself as a 14-year-old and I could not ponder being in that scenario and being profitable,” Waugh added.
One of the most successful Test captains ever, Waugh said Indian teams aren’t as “intimidated” while touring Australia now and also enjoy massive support from fans.
“I do not suppose groups are intimidated like they was from away excursions. They’re so well-travelled and well-experienced and have performed plenty of circumstances, plenty of expertise.”
“I do not suppose enjoying away from dwelling is similar intimidation issue because it was 10 20 years in the past and the truth that India have received two Check collection lately in Australia, and in addition they’ve in all probability extra crowd help in Australia than Australia has acquired,” he added.