Less than 24 hours ago, Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a 55-ball hundred in the Under-19 ODI World Cup final against England. His 175-run knock, from just 80 balls, earned the 14-year-old the award for ‘player of the match’ and ‘player of the series’.
You’d think Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, would be over the moon. Well, he was yesterday. Today, he’s centered himself. Reminded himself and his son that the goal’s far away. At 14, Vaibhav’s already a superstar. Before his final heroics, he’d already gained fame. Last year, he became the youngest Indian Premier League (IPL) centurion.
No Tests, no legend
Vaibhav’s been in the headlines since. For some, he’s the next big thing. But for Sajeev, his son won’t be a big cricketer until he plays Test cricket for India.
“Abhi toh shuruaat hai, abhi bahut aage jaana hai (This is just the beginning; there’s a lot more to achieve). Jab tak Test na khele, kya bada cricketer (Till the time he does not play Tests, I won’t consider him a big cricketer),” Sanjeev told the Times of India.
Emulate Sachin Tendulkar
Sanjeev doesn’t want his son to wander off the path. It’s great to celebrate success, and he wants Vaibhav to do the same. But remain humble. Citing Sachin Tendulkar‘s example, who debuted at 16 and played until 40 without ever attracting controversy, Sajeev explained he wants his son to achieve the same.
“I have always told him, jitna achha khelo utna hi jhuk ke raho (The better you play, the humbler you should be). Keep talking to your seniors and coaches; ask them where you can improve. Yes, you have scored a big century in the U-19 World Cup final, but that is done. The goal is to play Test cricket for India. I gave him Sachin Tendulkar’s reference. He scored so many runs, and there was never any controversy around him. The cricketing world adores him,” Sanjeev added.
