Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking performance in the Under-19 World Cup final has sparked conversations far beyond cricketing circles. Following the 14-year-old’s towering century against England, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly urged Indian cricket to fast-track the prodigious batter into higher honours, drawing parallels with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Taking to X, Tharoor described Vaibhav as a generational talent and recalled how Tendulkar himself was introduced to international cricket at a similarly tender age. “Vaibhav Sooryavanshi deserves to be fast-tracked into higher honours. The last time we had a 14-year-old genius at the crease, his name was Sachin Tendulkar. And we didn’t keep him waiting long,” Tharoor wrote while reacting to an advertisement featuring the young star.
Vaibhav’s heroics came on the biggest stage of age-group cricket. Batting in the U19 World Cup final on a challenging surface in Harare, the left-hander showed composure well beyond his years. He negotiated England’s fast bowlers early before launching a stunning counterattack against the spinners. Vaibhav brought up his century in just 55 balls and went on to smash 175 off 80 deliveries, one of the greatest innings in U19 World Cup history.
His knock propelled India to a record 411 in a U19 World Cup final, a total that proved far beyond England’s reach as India clinched their sixth title in the tournament’s history. The innings not only sealed the trophy but also placed Vaibhav firmly in the national spotlight.
Tharoor’s comparison inevitably invoked memories of Sachin Tendulkar’s meteoric rise. Tendulkar was just 16 when he made his international debut during India’s tour of Pakistan in 1989. His exploits in Mumbai’s school and domestic cricket, including a record-breaking partnership with Vinod Kambli, convinced selectors that he was ready for the highest level. Facing the likes of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis on debut, Tendulkar showed fearlessness and technique that would define a career spanning more than two decades.
Fast-tracking Tendulkar proved transformative for Indian cricket, and Tharoor believes Vaibhav could follow a similar path if handled wisely. Unlike Tendulkar, whose reputation was forged on the maidans of Mumbai, Vaibhav has risen through age-group cricket and announced himself with a spectacular debut IPL season in 2025, before dominating the U19 World Cup.
The victorious Indian U19 squad was welcomed home to rousing celebrations. Captain Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and other members of the team were felicitated in their hometowns, while the BCCI announced a cash reward of Rs 7.5 crore for the champions. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the team’s unbeaten run and their composure under pressure in the final against England.
While calls to fast-track Vaibhav have grown louder, selectors are likely to tread carefully, balancing excitement with long-term development. What is certain, however, is that Indian cricket has found a new teenage sensation — and the comparisons with its greatest icon have already begun.