'Last Time It Was Sachin' — Tharoor’s Remark Sparks Debate Over Vaibhav Suryavanshi

New Delhi: The name of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in the headlines for the last few days. Playing for Bihar, he played such an innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy that the spectators, commentators, and people associated with cricket were astonished. It is considered a big thing for someone to play such a mature innings at such a young age.

What did Vaibhav do in the field?

Vaibhav played an inning of 190 runs in a match of the tournament. This innings was not only long, but the constant strike rotation, converting the right balls into fours and sixes, and playing without panic—all this made his innings special. Even many experienced players are not able to reach this score, but Vaibhav did it all effortlessly, as if it was a normal thing for him. This is why people are becoming serious about them.

What did Shashi Tharoor say?

Praising Vaibhav on social media, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor wrote that the last time a 14-year-old player shone so brightly, it was Sachin Tendulkar. Tharoor also wrote that now the selectors should think about when and how a player like Vaibhav should be given a chance. This statement of Tharoor became big because he directly took the name of Sachin, which in itself shows the seriousness of the comparison.

The last time a fourteen year old showed such prodigious cricketing talent, it was Sachin Tendulkar — and we all know what became of him. What are waiting for? VaibhavSuryavanshi for India!@imAagarkar @GautamGambhir @bcci @sachin_rt https://t.co/BK9iKqBGV2

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 24, 2025

Is comparison with Sachin justified?

Comparison does not mean that Vaibhav is still at Sachin's level. Sachin's identity was created after years of hard work. But people say that early signs show the same confidence and depth in Vaibhav's game that was seen in Sachin's early days. It cannot be decided so soon how far Vaibhav will go, but it is certain that considering his age and performance, it will not be easy to ignore him.

What does the road ahead look like?

It is not clear yet what decision BCCI will take. Some feel that he should get regular opportunities in domestic cricket only. At the same time, some people say that if a player is showing potential, then he should gradually start connecting with the national level. Whatever the case, Vaibhav's name is no longer just recorded in a scoresheet but has come in the list of players whose next innings will be awaited.