Vibhu Suryavanshi’s record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign has led to growing calls for the youngster to quickly join India’s senior set-up. But one of cricket’s greatest batsmen, Sachin Tendulkarbelieves that the focus should be on allowing the youth to develop naturally. Tendulkar, who was awarded the ‘Greatest Men’s International Batsman of the 21st Century’ award at the Cricinfo Honors Awards 2026, was asked about Suryavanshi’s future. Rajasthan Royals Ehsaas can become an all-format player. The former India captain said the 15-year-old should continue to rely on the instincts that have already made him one of the most exciting young cricketers in the world. “I would tell you Web Just to be yourself. There’s always a first time. In Test cricket, with time and age, he will learn how to tackle different challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.” Tendulkar pointed out that every batsman faces questions during his career and success often comes from finding the right answers. “Until the last day of your career, the problems are always there until the last ball you face. The bowler asks you a question with every ball. Now what do you look for?” He also cautioned against interfering with Suryavanshi’s natural style, saying the youngster already seemed confident in his ways. “He is the type of player who looks very confident and believes in what he wants to do. I would not want to interfere with his natural instincts because the way he sees the ball and the way he responds to it is important.” “If that signal is disrupted, it will be a real challenge. I will give him the freedom to go out and bat the way he does.” Tendulkar’s comments come after an extraordinary IPL season that saw Suryavanshi never before seen in the tournament. The Rajasthan Royals star became the first player in IPL history to win five major individual awards in a single season. He won the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player Award, Emerging Player of the Season Award, Super Striker of the Season Award and Super Six of the Season Award. His numbers were equally astounding. Suryavanshi finished as the tournament’s leading run scorer with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30 while hitting a record 72 sixes. He broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record of 59 sixes in a season and became the first capped batsman in IPL history to score two centuries in a single campaign. His highlights included a 16-ball half-century in the eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, equaling the fastest fifty in IPL playoff history, and a 36-ball century against the same opposition earlier in the season. He also became the youngest batsman and the fastest player to reach 1000 IPL runs through balls. Despite growing excitement about his future, Tendulkar believes supporters should focus on encouraging him rather than putting extra pressure on him. “Not just me, everyone would like to see him play Test cricket at some stage. I don’t know when that is going to happen, but a promising talent needs encouragement.” The batting legend said fans should enjoy watching Suryavanshi flourish instead of constantly debating when he should step up. “If he is doing well, we need to encourage and support him and above all, enjoy watching him instead of constantly putting pressure on him.” Tendulkar also made it clear that decisions regarding India’s squad should rest with the selectors and team management. “And leave the decision as to whether he should play, whether he should do nothing, or whether he should be selected in a particular squad to those who are responsible for making those decisions.” For now, Tendulkar’s message is simple: leave Suryavanshi alone. Runs, records and opportunities may come naturally, but maintaining the fearless style that has made him such a phenomenon is the most important thing.
