A debate has emerged over the career path of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, after former India cricketer WV Raman questioned whether playing Under-19 cricket is the right move for him at this stage. Raman suggested that, while Suryavanshi may dominate junior-level competitions, it could ultimately slow his long-term development given his exceptional early achievements.
At just 14, Suryavanshi has already featured in India A matches and impressed in the Indian Premier League, scoring 252 runs at a strike rate over 200 in his debut season, including a record-breaking century. He has also excelled in age-group cricket, hitting 171 against the UAE and a century against South Africa in the Under-19 Asia Cup.
While selectors argue that Under-19 cricket provides structured competition, leadership experience, and exposure to high-pressure tournaments, Raman’s comments have reignited discussion about whether prodigious talents like Suryavanshi should follow traditional age-group progression or a more customised development path. As India begins its Under-19 World Cup campaign, Suryavanshi’s performances will be closely watched for both immediate impact and long-term career implications.
