Legendary India all-rounder Kapil Dev has shared words of caution amidst the hype around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His words came as Sooryavanshi made his India A debut in the ongoing one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka. The 15-year-old sensation broke Sachin Tendulkar's record to become the youngest player selected for India's senior men's team.
Sooryavanshi has been named in India’s squad for the T20Is in Ireland and England, and also for the 2026 Asian Games. The 15-year-old was recognized as a "special talent" by Kapil Dev, but the leap to international cricket would take time and adjustment.
"He is a special talent; give him time, but he definitely showed the talent that he has. I think he is unbelievable, but again, he will have to conduct himself (in the Indian team), keep himself fit, and a lot of other things are going to happen when you are part of the national team. How much he is focused, only he can answer, but to me, he is a special talent," Kapil told PTI.
Kapil feels Sooryavanshi would quickly understand the distinction between playing for the club and the country.
"There's nothing wrong with giving respect to the young kid, but expecting too much at this stage would be wrong; he has just been included in the team. He will understand that club cricket is totally different from playing for your country, it's a different thought process, so give him time, don't start expecting too much, just give him time," he stressed.
