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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will play for India. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Emerging as the MVP (most valuable player) in your second Indian Premier League (IPL) season, that too at just 15, isn’t normal. But managing such a talent can’t be easy. Prodigies often lose their path after fame arrives.
That’s why MSK Prasad, former India chief selector from September 2016 to March 2020, believes the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should take matters into their hands. The board can’t let the Rajasthan Royals (RR) or anyone else take control as the teenager takes flight.
Dravid or Laxman should guide Sooryavanshi
Prasad wants either Rahul Dravid, former India A, Under-19 and national coach, or VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence since December 2021, to guide the youngster. Both aren’t just successful former cricketers but great man managers and role models.
“It’s good to see that in a post-match interaction, he (Sooryavanshi) said on Sunday that he needs to improve his fitness. He has been under the tutelage of NCA for quite some time now. See, he is only 15. He should be carefully handled and looked after. He should be carefully monitored. I feel he should be under the tutelage of (VVS) Laxman or (Rahul) Dravid for some time. They are the guys who can keep him humble. At this stage, it’s needed to shape his career in the right manner,” Prasad told PTI.
Sooryavanshi doesn’t just admire them but shares a bond as well. Dravid was the RR head coach in his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025 and was on the auction table when the 15-year-old was acquired for INR 1.10 crore. Similarly, Laxman was overseeing the team when Sooryavanshi was picked for the Under-19 ODI World Cup 2026. As the CoE head, he’s been keeping track of Sooryavanshi for some time now.
Prasad believes that for the next 2 years the BCCI should monitor Sooryavanshi. Once he comes of age, he should make his own decision. Until then, someone experienced in coaching youngsters like Dravid or Laxman should take the 15-year-old under their wing.
“Forget India, he is one of the best in the world. He is undoubtedly a big surprise package. Though he should play for India in T20Is, he should be monitored well for two years, and then he can be on his own. He should slowly start with T20Is, then move to ODIs & other formats. Of course, he has it in him to play the longer formats, as he has shown he can take the best of the world and tear them apart. The best part is he has so much understanding of the game,” he added.
The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be under tutelage of Laxman or Dravid: Ex-chief selector’s advice to BCCI appeared first on Inside Sport India.
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