‘Your father can handle it’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi told to stay away from professional managers

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India pacer S Sreesanth has urged teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to remain focused on cricket and not get distracted by professional managers after his rapid rise to stardom.The 15-year-old prodigy recently earned a place in the Indian team for the tour of Ireland and England, becoming the youngest player ever to be selected in the Indian men’s team. This eclipsed the 36-year-old record held by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who made his India debut at the age of 16 against Pakistan in 1989.Speaking about the youngster’s success, Sreesanth praised Suryavanshi’s determination, discipline and the sacrifices made by his family.“Man, no matter how little we say about Suryavanshi… it won’t be enough. I mean, no matter how much we praise him, it still won’t be enough.”“So I will say that Sooryavanshi’s family… and the little kids who are watching and thinking ‘I want to be like him too’ – you can do it because he showed the way. First Sachin Paji showed us, then Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma came. But I would say what Vaibhav… what Vaibmehave shown, Vaibhavance, an example of dedication and privilege Soja.”The former fast bowler recalled seeing videos of Sooryavanshi training tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the role his father and coaches played in shaping his journey.“Even in the Corona days, they used to show videos of him training on the terrace. His father, the man, has a lot of respect for him. Respect for all his coaches, respect for everyone because… you know, I’m from Kerala. And when people talk about ‘opportunities, opportunities’ – even in today’s cricket, that’s all we talk about, getting opportunities.”“But traveling four hours without a guaranteed opportunity, training, staying back, coming back every day … and that’s playing 750 to 1,000 balls a day, practicing … and he keeps saying, ‘I don’t feel good when I rest.’ I will learn from him. I… with all due respect to all legendary cricketers, respect to all, but what this kid has done… leave him alone man. Leave it as it is. A lot of managers will come now.”Sreesanth then issued a word of caution, advising the youngster to stay grounded and let his family take care of matters off the field.“Vaibhava, if you are watching this, I request you to leave these managers aside and focus on yourself. Your father will take care of things and your family members. Stay away from these professional managers.”

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