A controversyerupted after Olympic medallistManu Bhakerwas quizzed about Rajasthan Royals (RR) sensationVaibhav Sooryavanshi. During an interaction at the National Rifle Association of India, Manu was asked about Vaibhav's stunning rise in cricket, and she gave a graceful reply. Manu said that with the right mentorship, he can become the next big thing in cricket.
“I would say that if the mentorship is good, the company around him is good, and the people around him are good, then age is just a number. And there is no age for talent. Great things happen at 60; they happen at six. So if the people around him mentor him well and guide him properly, then I am sure he will be the next big star," Bhaker told reporters at an event on Monday.
Former KKR team Director Joy Bhattacharjya wrote that asking an Olympic medallist about a young cricketer is unfair to her achievements, "Folks, she is an Olympic medallist. To ask her what she thinks of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is unfair to her achievements and her sports. Cricket, anyway, is the ruling passion of the country; your sports editors do not need another celebrity quote to spin a headline on Sooryavanshi. Optionally, the next time ask Vaibhav Sooryavanshi about Manu Bhaker and see the looks you get," he said.
There were doubts if he could continue the demolition against the best bowlers in IPL 2026, and he answered the question in style, smashing a 36-ball hundred against SRH. He has been very consistent and chasing the Orange Cap. With 357 runs, he is third in the list of most runs in IPL 2026. He briefly held the Orange Cap before being overtaken by Abhishek Sharma. Vaibhav's exploits have have earned him fans across countries. After facing chin music from Vaibhav, SRH captain Pat Cummins said that Vaibhav is his new favourite player.
Similarly, Vaibhav's dominating gameplay has fueled the calls for his India debut. Many former Indian cricketers have urged BCCI to fast-track Vaibhav to the senior team in T20Is, and reports are doing rounds that he may get his India cap during the Ireland T20Is.
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Faham Uddin is a seasoned sports journalist currently working as a Special Correspondent on the sports desk. With over eight years of diverse experien...View More
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