Cricket legend Kapil Dev has called for patience with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the 15-year-old earned his first India call-up, stating that it would be unfair to place heavy expectations on him so early in his career.
Sooryavanshi recently became the youngest player selected for India's senior men's team, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record. He has been named in India's squad for the T20I series against England and Ireland and will also be part of the contingent for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, later this year.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain described Sooryavanshi as a special talent but emphasized that the youngster would need time to adjust to international cricket.
Kapil Dev's Advice
"He is a special talent, give him time, but he definitely showed the talent that he has. I think he is unbelievable, but again, 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 further stated that the transition from domestic to international cricket is significant and urged people not to expect immediate results from the teenager.
"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 will understand that club cricket is totally different from playing for your country, it's a different thought process so give him time, don't start expecting too much, just give him time," he stressed.
Madan Lal's Support
Former India pacer Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team alongside Kapil, backed Sooryavanshi to replicate his IPL success at the international level.
"This is a very big moment for him because he is a 15-year-old player who has forced his selection. He has got this chance because of his good performance."
"I think he will definitely be able to do it because he has the talent and in abundance. Why won't he be able to do it? He is also in good form."
"He has played throughout the tournament and performed consistently. He is only 15 years old and has already shown what he is capable of," Lal said.
Sooryavanshi impressed during the IPL season, taking on bowlers such as Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.
