Vaibhav Suryabanshi’s altercation with Sri Lanka A players after India’s Super Over defeat on Monday raises questions. The tri-series in Dambulla was supposed to be another step in the rise of the teenage prodigy.
The 15-year old arrived with an opportunity to show that he could bridge the gap between age-group cricket and the next level. His 79 runs in three matches are not very worrying.
But the television footage showing the teenager in a heated exchange that briefly turned physical is a cause for concern. He has to have a good idea of the do’s and don’ts.
Members of a sporting eleven touted as future stars are often sledged by opposition players. Sachin Tendulkar was 16 when he visited Pakistan on his first tour.
He was greeted with intimidation. He replied with his bat.
Every generation faces its own tests. Knowing when to disengage rather than showing emotion is far more important.
Emotional control is as important as making a shot especially when one is playing at the highest level. Sooryavanshi is yet to realise it.
The BCCI has allowed Suryabanshi’s parents to accompany him in the coming tours of England and Ireland. It will give him much needed emotional ballast.
But the guidance should not stop there. A senior player or coach needs to sit down with Sooryavanshi.
The talk is not at all to dampen his competitive spirit. The young prodigy needs to be taught the way to strike a balance between passion and restraint.
Sooryavanshi seems to be ready for international cricket. It is time to prepare him for everything that comes with it.
