Anil Kumble compares Suryavanshi to Tendulkar but urges caution amidst India call-up chatter

Anil Kumble, the legendary cricketer, has urged caution amid the growing clamour to fast-track Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the Indian team, even as he acknowledged the 15-year-old’s remarkable consistency and temperament.

Speaking at a Barclays event on the power of global sport to drive community impact and opportunity at the Cricket Club of India on Friday, the former India captain and coach drew parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s teenage exploits while emphasising the need to allow Suryavanshi the time to grow.

“When Sachin Tendulkar came into the scene, every time he walked out as a 14 or 15-year-old, he was scoring hundreds. I am sure what we have seen of Vaibhav, he is certainly doing all the right things,” Kumble said. “At this point in time, it’s a bit of pressure on a young lad to say, ‘look, I want you to play for India in two months’ time’.”

Suryavanshi, who turned 15 last month, has seamlessly transitioned from his Under-19 World Cup heroics into the Indian Premier League, where his audacious strokeplay has caught the imagination. Earlier this week, he struck Jasprit Bumrah for a six off the very first ball he faced — a statement shot that intensified calls for his immediate elevation to India’s T20I side.

Kumble, however, stressed that talent must be nurtured patiently. “It may happen, it may not happen, but he has a wonderful time. Even 10 years later, he will still be 25. That’s the best part about someone doing so well as a 15-year-old,” he said.

The former leg-spinner also pointed out that cricket offers different pathways to success. “Some start at 15, some at 28, but they still have a role to play. For Vaibhav, it could be this year, next year or maybe a couple of years later. But the way he is batting, I am sure the selectors will be watching closely.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026