Don’t expect the world from Sooryavanshi: Ganguly’s caution to the rising star

As the 15-year-old batting sensation prepares for his maiden international tours, the BCCI and former legends are balancing high-stakes hype with protective caution.

The image of a 15-year-old walking into an international dressing room is rare, but for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it is the new reality. After a record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign that turned heads across the cricketing world, the teenager is now packing his bags for tours of Ireland and England, with an eye on the Asian Games in Japan. While the hype machine is in overdrive, former captain Sourav Ganguly has stepped in to dampen the frenzy, warning that international cricket is a different beast entirely.

A different kind of pressure

Ganguly, who knows a thing or two about the weight of expectations, is adamant that we shouldn’t expect the world from the youngster just yet. While Sooryavanshi looked untroubled by pressure during his IPL stint, the former skipper points out that the conditions awaiting him in Europe will be a major test. “It will seam and there will be a bit more bounce and more movement with the new ball,” Ganguly noted, adding that the game is just different when you step away from the familiar surfaces of domestic T20 cricket.

The BCCI’s protective shield

The BCCI is not leaving anything to chance. Recognising that they are dealing with a child prodigy, the board has taken the unusual step of allowing Sooryavanshi’s parents to accompany him to Ireland and England, with the board picking up the tab. Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that this decision was made to ensure the youngster remains comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. His father, Sanjeev, has already been seen with him in Sri Lanka, where the boy is currently sharpening his skills with the India A squad.

Why it matters: The bigger picture

The board’s decision to facilitate family support reflects a broader shift in how Indian cricket manages its youngest talents. We are seeing a move away from the "trial by fire" approach, replacing it with a more holistic, supportive framework. While voices like R. Ashwin have already called for a long-term Test path for the teenager, the immediate challenge is not just technical skill—it is psychological stability. By insulating Sooryavanshi from the crushing weight of public scrutiny, the BCCI is betting that protecting his mental space is just as vital as his batting technique if he is to evolve from a T20 sensation into a multi-format stalwart.

The path ahead for the 15-year-old will be defined by how he adapts to the swinging ball and the grind of international travel. For now, the consensus from the corridors of power is simple: give him space, let him settle, and resist the urge to crown him the next great hope before he has even faced his first international over.