Greg Chappell Warns BCCI: “Nurture Vaibhav Suryavanshi Like Sachin, Not Like Kambli or Prithvi Shaw”
New Delhi, 3rd May 2025: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old cricket sensation from Rajasthan Royals, has taken IPL 2025 by storm. In a breathtaking display of talent, the teenager smashed a century off just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans — making him the fastest Indian to reach a hundred in IPL history. While fans are celebrating the rise of a new star, cricketing legend Greg Chappell has sounded a note of caution.
The former India coach has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to tread carefully with Suryavanshi’s development, warning that poor management could derail his future — much like it did for other prodigies such as Vinod Kambli and Prithvi Shaw.
“Learn from the Past” — Chappell’s Message to BCCI
In his latest column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell reflected on the success of Sachin Tendulkar and the pitfalls that ended the promising careers of other young cricketers.
“Suryavanshi is a rare talent,” Chappell wrote. “But talent alone is never enough. Sachin succeeded not only because of his skills but also because he had a strong foundation — a disciplined mindset, a steady coach, and a grounded support system. Vinod Kambli, equally talented, lacked that structure. His brilliance faded too soon.”
He also cited Prithvi Shaw as a more recent example of a career that started brightly but faltered under the weight of fame, distractions, and a lack of sustained mentorship.
Chappell emphasized that the BCCI must ensure Vaibhav receives more than just media exposure and game time — he needs structured mentorship, psychological support, and protection from the overwhelming pressure of stardom at a young age.
“They’re Not Just Marketing Assets”
Chappell warned against the over-commercialization of young athletes, a growing trend in the age of social media and corporate sponsorships.
“Such players must be groomed with care. They are not just marketing assets — they represent the future of Indian cricket,” he stated.
Tendulkar vs Kambli: A Tale of Two Talents
Chappell’s remarks reignited the long-standing comparison between Tendulkar and Kambli, childhood friends who debuted around the same time but followed drastically different paths.
Tendulkar’s Career Highlights:
- Tests: 15,921 runs
- ODIs: 18,426 runs
- Total International Runs: 34,357
Kambli’s Career Highlights:
- Tests: 1,084 runs in 17 matches
- ODIs: 2,477 runs in 104 matches
While Tendulkar went on to become a global icon and the highest run-scorer in international cricket, Kambli’s career faded due to personal and professional missteps.
The Road Ahead for Suryavanshi
With cricket fans and experts alike marvelling at Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s raw potential, the focus now shifts to how the system will handle his meteoric rise. Will he be nurtured with the same care as a young Tendulkar, or will he become another cautionary tale?
As Chappell put it, “What the BCCI does next will determine whether India’s next great batsman fulfills his promise — or burns out before he even turns 18.”
