Kapil Dev Urges Caution with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Rising Stardom

Cricket legend Kapil Dev has advised fans to temper their expectations regarding young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently received his first call-up to the Indian national team at just 15 years old. After surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record as the youngest player to be selected for India’s senior men’s squad, Sooryavanshi is set to compete in upcoming T20I series against England and Ireland, as well as the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Describing Sooryavanshi as a "special talent," the captain of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team emphasized the need for patience as the teenager adjusts to the pressures of international cricket. "He is a special talent, give him time, but he definitely showed the talent that he has," Kapil remarked. "He will have to conduct himself (in the Indian team), have to keep himself fit, and a lot of other things are going to happen when you are part of the national team."

Kapil also highlighted the stark contrast between domestic and international cricket, cautioning against placing undue pressure on Sooryavanshi so early in his career. "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 stated. "Give him time; don’t start expecting too much, just give him time."

Former Indian pacer Madan Lal, who was part of Kapil's World Cup-winning squad, voiced his support for Sooryavanshi, expressing confidence that he can translate his IPL success to the international stage. "This is a very big moment for him because he is a 15-year-old player who has forced his selection," Lal noted. "He has played throughout the tournament and performed consistently. He is only 15 years old and has already shown what he is capable of."

Sooryavanshi has made a name for himself in the IPL, impressing fans and experts alike with his performances against seasoned bowlers like Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.