NEW DELHI: Former India pacer S Sreesanth has urged teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to remain focused on cricket and avoid getting distracted by professional managers following his rapid rise to fame. The 15-year-old prodigy recently earned a place in India’s squads for the tours of Ireland and England, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the Indian men’s team. In doing so, he eclipsed a 36-year-old record held by legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who made his India debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989. Speaking about the youngster’s success, Sreesanth showered praise on Suryavanshi’s commitment, discipline and the sacrifices made by his family.“Man, no matter how less we say about Suryavanshi… it won’t be enough. I mean, no matter how much we praise him, it will still fall short.”“So I will say that Sooryavanshi’s family… and the young kids who are watching and thinking ‘I want to be like him too’ – you can achieve it because he has shown the way. First, Sachin Paji showed us, then Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma came along. But I would say what Vaibhav… what Vaibhav has shown, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, that is a prime example of commitment and perseverance.”The former fast bowler recalled seeing videos of Sooryavanshi training relentlessly during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the role played by his father and coaches in shaping his journey.“Even during Corona times, they were showing his videos of practicing on the terrace. His father, man, lots of respect to him. Respect to all his coaches, respect to everyone because… as you know, I am from Kerala. And when people talk about ‘opportunities, opportunities’ – even in cricket today, that’s all we talk about, getting an opportunity.”“But traveling for four hours without even having an assured opportunity, practicing, staying back, going back every single day… and that too playing 750 to 1000 balls daily, doing drills… and he still says, ‘I don’t feel good when I get rest.’ I will learn from him. I… with all respect to all the legendary cricketers, respect to everybody, but what this kid has shown… just leave him be, man. Leave him as he is. A lot of managers will come around now.“Sreesanth then issued a word of caution, advising the youngster to stay grounded and let his family take care of off-field matters.“Vaibhav, if you are watching this, my request to you is to leave these managers aside and focus on yourself. Your father will handle things, and your family members will handle things. Stay away from these professional managers.”
