Greg Chappell’s Advice on Nurturing Young Cricket Star Vaibhav Suryavanshi
BCCI’s Role in Safeguarding Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Former Indian cricket coach Greg Chappell has advised the BCCI to handle 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi with care. The young left-hander became popular after being selected by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 auction and scoring a remarkable century against Gujrat Titans recently.
Chappell’s Caution
Chappell warned that despite Suryavanshi’s mature batting style, he remains a child in many aspects. “His brain is still maturing, his values are still taking shape, and his identity is still vulnerable,” Chappell wrote in his ESPNCricinfo column.
The Two Sides of Early Success
Chappell highlighted that child prodigies can have a ‘double narrative’. They can inspire fans with their talent, but they can also be overwhelmed by expectations they cannot manage. He cited Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli as examples.
- Sachin Tendulkar thrived as a teenager due to his exceptional talent and a strong support system, including a wise coach and a protective family.
- Vinod Kambli, equally talented and arguably more flamboyant, grappled with managing fame and discipline, leading to a dramatic downfall.
Shielding Young Talent
Chappell stressed that it is the duty of the cricket community, including the BCCI, franchises, mentors, and the media, to safeguard young cricket prodigies like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He proposed the following measures:
- Incorporating certified child psychologists in every elite youth program.
- Prioritizing players’ mental health over commercial interests and mandating them to continue their education through contracts.
- Keeping the cricketer’s family and trusted adults central to the child’s decision-making process, rather than just having them act as spectators.
