U19 World Cup Appearance Detrimental to Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Growth, Says WV Raman
Former India women's coach WV Raman believes pushing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the U19 World Cup could hinder his overall development despite his prodigious talent.
Fourteen-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi endured a disappointing start to his Under-19 World Cup campaign, managing just two runs on debut as India took on the United States in their tournament opener. Despite the modest contribution, India secured a comfortable victory, but the youngster’s early dismissal has sparked a wider debate about whether his inclusion at this level was premature.
Suryavanshi, who opened the batting, was dismissed for two off four balls, unable to convert his promising start into a meaningful score. The early exit stood in contrast to the high expectations surrounding the teenager, who has already built a reputation as one of India’s most exciting young batters through consistent performances in age-group cricket and his growing visibility in the Indian Premier League ecosystem.
Former India women’s head coach WV Raman weighed in on the issue, expressing concern that exposure to the Under-19 World Cup might hinder rather than help Suryavanshi’s long-term development. In a post on social media platform X, Raman described the move as potentially “detrimental to his growth,” arguing that while the youngster may win matches at this level, decision-makers should prioritize his broader career trajectory and long-term progress.
Also Read: Ashwin Left Speechless As 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Dominates South Africa U19
The discussion is further complicated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s policy of limiting players to a single Under-19 World Cup appearance. As a result, Suryavanshi will not have another opportunity to feature in the tournament at this level. The BCCI, however, appears to have backed early exposure as a means of accelerating his development, a strategy that has divided opinion among former players and coaches.
On the field, India’s victory was set up by pace bowler Henil Patel, who delivered a match-winning spell of 5 for 16, dismantling the USA middle order after India chose to bowl under overcast conditions. The USA were bowled out for 107, and despite rain reducing the target to 96 under the DLS method, Abhigyan Kundu’s unbeaten 42 ensured India crossed the line comfortably, overshadowing Suryavanshi’s subdued debut.
Also Read: Rain Stops Play: Suryavanshi Denied Virat Kohli's U19 Milestone By 4 Runs
