New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Former Indian left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan has emphasized the need for careful handling of the young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stressing the importance of keeping a balanced mindset amidst both success and failure. The talented left-hander, who is yet to celebrate his 15th birthday, has already made significant strides in his cricketing journey, notably becoming the fastest Indian to score a century in the IPL, achieving this milestone in just 35 balls. He has also been retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Recently, Sooryavanshi showcased his skills by being crowned Player of the Tournament and Player of the Final at the 2026 Men’s U19 World Cup, which India won. Pathan remarked, “It is crucial for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to remain grounded and not let success or failure impact his mindset. At such a tender age of 15, he potentially has a two-decade-long professional career ahead of him.”

“In today’s world, where career longevity isn't always prioritized and careers can be fleeting, one can still achieve a lot within 6 to 8 years. However, Vaibhav could embark on a much longer journey. Therefore, it’s vital that he has a consistent mentor to guide him, similar to the role Rahul Dravid played last year,” Pathan stated on JioStar.

He further noted that Sooryavanshi must continuously enhance his skills to stay ahead of rival teams' strategies designed to counter him. “This season, teams might devise specific plans against him, such as consistently targeting his off-stump and keeping the ball outside his reach.”

“He must be prepared to tackle these challenges, even if it means putting himself at risk of getting out. He may encounter similar obstacles that Abhishek Sharma faced, including varying bowling styles and pace changes, so his ability to adapt and find ways to score in those circumstances will be critical.”

Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra added that Sooryavanshi's fearless approach needs to be balanced with consistency in the high-stakes environment of the IPL. “The philosophy of ‘If the first one is there to be hit, I will go for it’ is commendable. However, if one tries to hit the first ball multiple times and fails to connect, that’s when issues arise. The IPL presents a different challenge.”

“During my playing days in England, if you had a couple of off days, someone would remind you, ‘Bro, time to earn your money,’ as you are being paid to deliver. That pressure is ever-present, and the IPL has a similar dynamic.”

“Last year, he had some exposure with Rahul Dravid's guidance, showing visible emotions after being dismissed in a game. This season brings higher expectations, and he will feel that weight. While we anticipate great performances from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, this will be a pivotal season for him,” he concluded.