New Delhi: The Indian cricket team has put in place a clear and thoughtful plan to support young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with senior players ensuring that the 15-year-old remains focused on his game and stays away from distractions such as social media and outside noise.

The approach was revealed by wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan after India’s second T20I against Zimbabwe, where he played a match-winning knock of 81 runs off 44 balls. While Sooryavanshi showed promise again, scoring 20 runs off just 9 balls, the spotlight remained on how the team is managing the youngster’s rapid rise.

Senior players step in as mentors

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ishan Kishan emphasised that the team management and senior players are actively guiding Sooryavanshi to concentrate only on cricket.

He noted that while the teenager is mature and understands his game well, external distractions can easily affect someone so young, especially given his background and sudden fame.

According to Kishan, players like Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, along with others in the squad, ensure that their interactions with Sooryavanshi remain positive and focused.

“We just make sure that right now, he thinks as much as possible about cricket rather than what’s happening on social media or outside noise,” Kishan said.

Avoiding early-career mistakes

Kishan, who has himself experienced the pressures of early success, highlighted that the team is keen to ensure Sooryavanshi avoids the mistakes many players make in their initial years.

He pointed out that distractions from friends, social media and public expectations can derail focus, especially for someone representing India at such a young age.

The Indian team’s strategy involves:

  • Encouraging a strong mental approach
  • Maintaining consistent body language
  • Focusing on performance rather than public opinion
  • Supporting him like a “brother” within the team environment

Kishan added that the goal is to keep the youngster grounded and happy, while also helping him develop both mentally and physically.

A generational talent in the making

Sooryavanshi is already being seen as a rare talent, capable of changing the course of a match within the powerplay overs.

Kishan expressed confidence in the youngster’s ability, stating that a player of his calibre can take the team to 80–90 runs within the first six overs if he gets going from the first ball.

This attacking approach has made him a valuable asset for India’s T20 setup, even at such an early stage of his career.

Managing pressure at a young age

The Indian team’s cautious approach reflects a broader understanding of the challenges faced by young athletes in the modern era.

With constant media attention and social media scrutiny, maintaining focus has become increasingly difficult for emerging players. By limiting exposure to these pressures, the team hopes to create a stable environment for Sooryavanshi’s growth.

The emphasis is not just on performance but also on:

  • Mental well-being
  • Long-term career development
  • Avoiding burnout

Conclusion

Team India’s structured approach to nurturing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi highlights the importance of guidance and mentorship in modern cricket. By encouraging him to stay focused on the game and avoid distractions, senior players are ensuring that the young prodigy develops into a consistent performer for the future.

With the backing of experienced teammates like Ishan Kishan, Sooryavanshi appears well-positioned to fulfil his immense potential while staying grounded amid growing expectations.