BCCI, IPL Franchises Must Protect Young Talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Greg Chappell

Australian cricket legend and former Team India coach Greg Chappell has stated that it is the responsibility of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to safeguard the emerging cricketing prodigy, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is rapidly making waves in Indian cricket. Chappell cautioned that without proper guidance and support, there is a risk that Vaibhav’s exceptional talent may be derailed.

Greg Chappell emphasized that cricketing systems play a vital role in shaping the future of young athletes. Citing the example of Sachin Tendulkar, Chappell recalled that the cricket icon’s rise to global stardom was not solely due to his talent but also due to early coaching guidance and strong family support. “Sachin’s success was not just because of his talent. His emotional maturity, the guidance from his coach, and the protection provided by his family against external distractions all played crucial roles,” said Chappell.

However, Chappell pointed out that another prodigiously talented cricketer, Vinod Kambli, failed to handle the early fame and pressure that came with it. “Vinod Kambli was just as talented as Sachin. But he could not manage the fame that came at a young age and eventually lost his discipline. As quickly as he rose, he disappeared,” Chappell noted.

Greg Chappell also mentioned Prithvi Shaw as a contemporary example of a young sensation whose career has faced ups and downs. While acknowledging the difficulties Shaw has encountered, Chappell expressed hope that he might still recover and reestablish himself.

Against this backdrop, Chappell urged the BCCI and IPL franchises to handle Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s case with utmost care. “Young talent must be guided in the right direction. Vaibhav must be protected. He should not be excessively exploited for marketing purposes,” he stated. Chappell warned that the fame, prestige, and commercial pressures that come at an early age should not hinder a young player’s development, and advised cricketing authorities to shield such players from harmful distractions.