Former Australia player identifies Vaibhav Suryavanshi's biggest challenge

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has proven to be one of, if not the biggest revelation for the future of Indian cricket as the 2025 IPL season comes to a close for Rajasthan Royals. At 14 years of age, the teenager has displayed a level of confidence and maturity far beyond his years. A number of notable performances outlined his season, including the 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans and the 33-ball 57 against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings.

With his breakout season gaining nationwide popularity and attention, all eyes will be on the youngster as he returns to action in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League. Speaking on the same, former Australian cricketer and legend Steve Waugh outlined what he thinks will be Suryavanshi's biggest challenge.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "As a 14-year-old, he had no concept of pressure...just play with complete freedom, so that was great to watch. I guess for him the challenge will be to keep it under control," said Waugh, speaking alongside Anil Kumble, Matthew Hayden and Robin Uthappa on 'Australian Summer of Cricket 2025-26' . His scintillating century against GT makes him the fastest Indian to score a century in the IPL, while also being the youngest.

While he does not follow the IPL religiously, Waugh admitted to tuning in for RR games solely to witness the talent and brilliance of the teenager on display. "I don't get to watch a lot of IPL games because it's probably (in) the wrong time of the day. But then, when someone like that comes along, you want to watch the game so he's a fantastic attraction for the sport," said the Australian.



Adding to the list of challenges Suryavanshi will face, Waugh said, "Can he play the same way with the same enthusiasm, the same freedom as he has done this year? That'll be his challenge." Alluding to the sacrifice of made by the player's parents, Waugh opined that the kid also has a 'backstory' that demands success.


While greatness at a very young age can attract a lot of praise, it also results in unnecessary comparisons. The Australian legend of the sport was quick to dismiss any and all comparisons to another great - Sachin Tendulkar. "I don't think you can compare anyone to Sachin Tendulkar. I mean, a 16-year-old (18-year-old) coming out to Australia and scoring a century in Perth on the hardest, most unique pitch in world cricket where most players really struggle to play on a pitch," said the 59-year-old.

Who's that IPL player?
That did not stop the former Australian test captain from handing praise where it was due. "It's very rare you get a Sachin Tendulkar come along. But I would never have expected a 14-year-old to score a 100 in the IPL, that was unthinkable," exclaimed the Aussie. While the fact remains that Suryavanshi has a lot more to learn, he is undoubtedly a player to watch out for in years to come.


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