Former Australian cricketer and India’s head coach Greg Chappell has recently shared his take on the fast blossoming Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He asserted that like Sachin Tendulkar even as a teenager when Sachin performed in those big matches, it was not merely talent for Sachin; he had a heavy backing. Chappell is concerned that Vaibhav needs the same kind of backing.
This week, Vaibhav had made the news when he smashed a hundred in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans, surprising many, including Chappell. He warned the BCCI about how to manage young players, quoting Vinod Kambli’s story and Prithvi Shaw’s
Sachin, Chappell pointed out, achieved not by only talent, but also through support – a steady mindset, a knowledgeable couch and judicious shelter of family from the pressures of stardom. He said that, Kambli, again being equally talented but showy, could not really take that title. So he fell down rather quickly on that. Yet, he cannot forget Shaw’s name. He is one such brilliant young talent gone through up and downs but may find ways to again bounce back.
From 34,357 runs, Tendulkar turned out to be one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket, while Kambli’s saga was far shorter. He played in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, and he briefly sparkled with his high scores, but then fell short due to an inconsistent performance. His personal struggles also included an issue with alcohol.
Chappell said about responsibility for all in the cricket arena – BCCI, franchises, coaches, and the media – in fostering the talents of young cricketers. He recommends having programs for youth where licensed child psychologists are available to give any emotional support necessary during such an unstable stage of life.
