The meteoric rise of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the 2025 IPL season has captured the imagination of the cricketing world, but voices of caution are emerging amidst the hype. While his talent is undeniable, comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar are being strongly discouraged by former cricketers and experts, emphasizing the need for patience and a realistic perspective on the young star's journey.

Suryavanshi, representing the Rajasthan Royals, burst onto the scene with a record-breaking 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans. This feat not only made him the youngest player to score a T20 century but also the fastest Indian to reach the milestone in the IPL. His explosive batting and fearless approach quickly earned him the moniker "Boss Baby" and triggered a wave of comparisons to Tendulkar, who himself debuted in first-class cricket at a young age.

However, former Indian cricketer Venkatapathy Raju has urged restraint. He pointed out that Tendulkar's early success was built on consistent performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, where he scored centuries in multiple matches before making his international debut. Raju emphasized the importance of Suryavanshi proving himself in the U-19 World Cup and domestic cricket before being considered for the senior national team.

Echoing this sentiment, former Australian captain Steve Waugh also cautioned against premature comparisons to Tendulkar. Waugh acknowledged Suryavanshi's impressive IPL performance, highlighting his record-breaking century and the freedom with which he played. However, he stressed that Tendulkar's achievements, including his century on a challenging Perth pitch as a teenager in 1992, were exceptional and rare. Waugh believes Suryavanshi's challenge will be maintaining consistency and replicating his IPL success under different conditions and increased pressure.

Sachin Tendulkar himself acknowledged the talent of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After Suryavanshi's record-breaking century, Tendulkar praised the youngster's fearless approach, bat speed, and ability to pick the length early.

Currently, Suryavanshi is with the India U-19 team in England, participating in a series of matches, including ODIs and Tests. This tour presents a valuable opportunity for him to adapt to overseas conditions and demonstrate his ability to perform consistently at a higher level. The comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, while flattering, place immense pressure on the young shoulders of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Experts believe that allowing him the space and time to develop naturally, without the burden of unrealistic expectations, is crucial for his long-term success.