The teenage sensation has impressed one and all in his first two IPL appearances.
Despite Suryavanshi’s impressive IPL debut and lucrative contract with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sehwag highlighted the importance of long-term dedication, citing Virat Kohli’s sustained brilliance as an example.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag said early success doesn’t guarantee lasting impact, emphasizing the need for consistency.
“If you step out knowing that you will get praised for doing well and criticised for not doing well, you will remain grounded,” Sehwag stated.
“I have seen many players who come, get fame from one or two matches, then they do not do anything, because they think that they have become a star player.”
At 14 year and 23 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest ever IPL debutant when he walked out to bat in Royals’ home game against Lucknow Super Giants.
The teenage prodigy, who was signed for Rs 1.1 crore during the mega auction last November, made an immediate impact as he smashed the first delivery he faced for a huge six over covers. He went on to score 34 off just 20 balls, including three sixes and two fours.
In his second outing against RCB, the southpaw scored 16 off 12 balls with a couple of sixes, giving another glimpse of his exceptional talent.
However, Sehwag warned that this is just the beginning. “Look at Virat Kohli. He started at 19 and has now played all 18 IPL seasons,” the batting great pointed out.
“That’s what Vaibhav should aim for. But if he thinks he’s made it just because he hit a six off his first ball and earned a crore, he might not be around next season.”
Suryavanshi’s team RR suffered an 11-run defeat against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday (April 24).
Chasing 206 to win, the inaugural IPL champions were cruising at 188/5 with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel batting on 47 off just 32 balls.
However, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal turned the game on its head in the last two overs, helping RCB restrict RR to 194/9.
This was Royals’ fifth defeat in a row, and they are now virtually out of the playoffs race with seven defeats in nine outings.