Former India head coach and legendary Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has sounded the alarm over the rapid rise of young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, urging the BCCI to take proactive steps to safeguard the budding star’s future.
In a strongly-worded column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell emphasized the importance of support systems for prodigious talents, drawing parallels with iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, and Prithvi Shaw.
Chappell Lauds Talent, Issues Caution
Chappell’s warning comes days after Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the cricketing world ablaze with a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 — a feat that not only stunned fans but also caught the eye of global cricketing minds.
“Sachin Tendulkar succeeded as a teenager not simply due to talent but because of a solid support system – a stoic temperament, a wise coach, a family that protected him from the circus,” Chappell wrote.
Chappell went on to explain that while Tendulkar had the temperament and backing to sustain his meteoric rise, other talented players like Vinod Kambli and Prithvi Shaw struggled with the weight of fame and lack of off-field guidance.
Cautionary Tales: Kambli & Shaw
Kambli, who debuted alongside Tendulkar, was once seen as a star in the making. He became the first Indian to score back-to-back Test double centuries, yet his career faded due to inconsistency and off-field issues, including reported alcohol addiction.
Similarly, Prithvi Shaw, who was once touted as India’s next big thing, has seen his international appearances dwindle amidst form slumps and disciplinary issues. Chappell warned that Vaibhav Suryavanshi could meet a similar fate if not guided and protected properly.
“Talent Can’t Be Bubble-Wrapped”
Chappell acknowledged that while raw ability cannot be completely shielded, it needs structured mentoring and emotional support to survive the pressures of elite sport. He said:
“It is incumbent on the cricketing ecosystem — the BCCI, the franchises, mentors, and the media — to protect him. Talent can’t be bubble-wrapped, but it can be provided with a buffer.”
Chappell even advocated for licensed child psychologists to be included in youth cricket programs, highlighting the emotional volatility of adolescence and the increasing mental demands of professional cricket.
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Cricket?
The message from Chappell is clear — India must learn from its past mistakes. If Vaibhav Suryavanshi is to become the next great Indian cricketer, the BCCI must craft an ecosystem that nurtures not just his batting, but also his mind, character, and wellbeing.
As the cricketing world continues to celebrate the 20-year-old’s jaw-dropping feats on the field, this message of caution reminds everyone that true greatness isn’t just about talent — it’s about endurance, guidance, and resilience.
