The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a springboard for Indian cricket talent, providing a platform where players earn the attention that later translates into national selection. From Ravichandran Ashwin to Jasprit Bumrah, several household names first built their reputations through T20 performances in the league. The newest name being discussed in that same bracket is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi’s early impact in the IPL has already marked him out as one of the most intriguing emerging talents in the game.
That excitement has spilled over beyond traditional scouting circles. In a fun, rapid-fire segment, Ishan Kishan, Rajat Patidar and Shubman Gill all chose Sooryavanshi as the young player they would want in their side—an indication of how much buzz the youngster has generated among fellow high-profile batters.
Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking run in the IPL has also sparked discussion about whether he should be fast-tracked for an India call-up. However, spin great Anil Kumble has urged restraint, arguing that even though outstanding ability can make it tempting to accelerate a career, rushing the process can create avoidable strain on a teenager.
Speaking during an interaction in the city on Friday, Kumble said that while exceptional talent can make it hard to hold a player back, early expectations may end up adding pressure instead of helping development. He also offered perspective on the wider argument around moving quickly versus building experience step by step.
“The player himself probably answers that question,” Kumble said, referencing the debate over whether players like Sooryavanshi should be pushed toward senior international cricket immediately or allowed to grow through gradual progression.
To explain his point further, Kumble drew a comparison with Sachin Tendulkar, noting that the case for selecting the young prodigy became increasingly strong through steady performances in the late 1980s.
Kumble also acknowledged that Sooryavanshi has already displayed encouraging signs and is “doing all the right things.” At the same time, he warned against turning rapid success into a timeline-driven demand. “At this point in time, it’s a bit of pressure on a young lad to say, ‘I want you to play for India in two months’,” he said.
While cautioning against rushing, Kumble highlighted the advantage of age—pointing out that Sooryavanshi’s long-term future gives him room to progress properly. “Even 10 years later, he’s going to be 25,” Kumble remarked, reinforcing the view that time should work in the youngster’s favour rather than against him.
