Fourteen-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has hit my Jeddah scepticism for six

Sharp Turn Column

Cricket in India is more than just a game. It’s an unwavering passion that unites a country adorned with various religions and cultures.

This adoration for the sport is palpable in every corner, and can only truly be appreciated after feeling it first-hand. 

It is particularly vibrant at iconic venues like Mumbai’s Oval Maidan, where dreams are born amidst the rhythmic sound of bats striking balls at the heart of this bustling metropolis.

Spanning 22 acres across from the distinguished Mumbai High Court, with the regal Rajabai Clock Tower overlooking it from above, this historic ground had me looking on in awe as it draws aspiring cricketers from the break of dawn until dusk. 

Here, young players flock daily, fervently training and competing, all driven by an unmatched dedication to perfect their craft.

Among its many illustrious alumni is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, whose emergence from this very patch of parched earth has become almost mythological. 

Yet, the Oval Maidan doesn’t merely bask in the glory of its past; it nurtures contemporary stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who continue to shine bright in India’s cricketing firmament.

Cricketing dreams are not exclusive to Mumbai.

Across India, countless young boys and girls awaken at 3am, travelling vast distances to train in hopes of professional cricket careers, spurred on by the allure of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL). 

The financial rewards and fame associated with these leagues have galvanised a new generation of cricketers committed to their dreams.

Recently, the cricketing world witnessed the emergence of a remarkable talent: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, with the teenager becoming the youngest IPL centurion after his sensational century off just 35 balls for the Rajasthan Royals a few days ago.

Suryavanshi tantalisingly fell short of eclipsing Chris “Universe Boss” Gayle’s record by a mere two balls – a feat that speaks volumes about his raw talent.

I was in the room in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia when Rajasthan Royals made a bold move for the then-13-year-old Suryavanshi at the mega IPL auction last year.

At the time, I was sceptical of the Royals’ intentions, and passed it off as merely another IPL publicity stunt.

It had the same aftertaste like when Mumbai Indians had previously signed Tendulkar’s son Arjun.

Subsequent research revealed Suryavanshi may yet be different, due to his extraordinary commitment to his trade.

Practising against 450 balls daily since the age of nine, it translated into him launching his very first IPL ball for six runs.

One must wonder: what lies ahead for Suryavanshi? Especially with icons like Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli showering him with praise. 

I can only imagine his courteous response being “Thank you, Sir!”

While he possesses the skill-set necessary for success at the international level, the pressures of fame and sudden wealth pose significant challenges for any teenager – let alone one now thrust into the limelight.

Handling the adulation and the mixed blessings of a rapidly climbing career can be overwhelming.

The reality of intense media scrutiny, sponsorship obligations, and social media trolling when form inevitably dips will test his resolve.

With bated breath, I will join many in anticipating how Suryavanshi’s odyssey unfolds.

For now, however, let’s revel in the moment – a remarkable teenager living his dream in full high-definition colour.