Cricket’s new wonderkid? Why everyone is talking about Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi the next Sachin Tendulkar? That’s the buzz on every cricket lover’s lips. Maybe we should hit pause on that comparison. Because let’s face it — there’s only one Sachin Tendulkar. And Vaibhav Suryavanshi deserves the space to script his own story.

Every time a prodigy bursts onto the Indian cricket scene, the Tendulkar parallels start flying. Remember Amol Muzumdar? Prithvi Shaw? Both had their moments, but their careers careened after sensational starts.

India has always had a soft spot for teen sensations — especially in cricket. That’s why Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old from Samastipur, Bihar, has become the latest poster boy of promise. The moment Rajasthan Royals snapped him up for ₹11 million ($130,000) in the IPL 2025 auction, he was catapulted into the limelight. Since then, every update, every highlight, every social post about him has been lapped up by a cricket-crazed nation.

When he smashed a 101 off 38 balls, becoming the youngest centurion in T20 history, it was more than just a record. It felt like a national validation. Fans began tuning in to every Rajasthan match, hoping for another Suryavanshi special. While another failed to materialise, his brilliance burned bright enough to keep the buzz alive.

Then came the viral moment: 190 off 90 balls in a warm-up game at the National Cricket Academy on June 10. It wasn’t even an official match, just a practice game. But his audacious sixes over long-on and midwicket lit up social media. Suddenly, the hype train was back in full throttle.

But why this obsession?

Simple: we love underdogs. A 14-year-old facing bowlers nearly twice his age — it’s pure David vs Goliath theatre. And whom do we all cheer?

We want Suryavanshi to succeed. To live up to the hype. To become the next Tendulkar — or Kohli. Will he? Too early to tell.

The road ahead is long and winding. International bowlers will dissect his game. The sparkle might fade if he doesn’t evolve. Fitness will be key. So will mental resilience. His technique will improve. The temperament too.

At his age, it’s easy to get derailed by fame, distractions, and bad advice. That’s why he’ll need a support system — a team to guide him, ground him, and protect him from the noise. Much like a tennis prodigy’s entourage.

India doesn’t need another cautionary tale of talent wasted. We’ve seen too many brilliant careers crumble under the weight of early stardom.

Suryavanshi’s talent is rare. And yes, it’s raw. But with the right backing, the right choices, and a little luck — he might just carve a legacy all his own.

Who knows? Years from now, maybe we won’t compare him to Tendulkar.

Maybe others will be compared to him. That’s my hope.