Vaibhav Suryavanshi is unbelievable, but no Sachin Tendulkar: Steve Waugh
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh was left in awe of Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who lit up IPL 2025 with fearless strokeplay and astonishing maturity. But even as he praised the youngster's brilliance, Waugh urged fans and pundits not to rush into comparisons with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.Suryavanshi's breakout performance came in the form of a breathtaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans — the second-fastest in IPL history and the quickest ever by an Indian. Despite Rajasthan Royals enduring a lacklustre season, the left-handed batter stood out with 252 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of over 200. Speaking at a cricket event organised by JioStar and Cricket Australia, Waugh applauded the teenager's composure, power-hitting, and ability to thrive under pressure.advertisement"I watched that century and I just couldn't believe how well he struck the ball and how easy he was hitting the sixes and how relaxed he was...As a 14-year-old, he had no concept of pressure...just play with complete freedom, so that was great to watch. I guess for him the challenge will be to keep it under control," Waugh said.
"Can he play the same way with the same enthusiasm, the same freedom as he has done this year? That'll be his challenge...He's got a lot of skill, he's mentally tough and he's got a great backstory, so you want to see someone like that be successful. It's a great story for cricket and for me watching from a long way away," he added.However, Waugh was quick to temper expectations when asked about comparisons with Tendulkar, recalling the Indian icon's iconic hundred at Perth in 1992 as a performance of rare genius. He stressed that while Suryavanshi's achievements are extraordinary, Tendulkar's early success came under far tougher conditions and set the stage for a career unmatched in its longevity and consistency.advertisement"I don't think you can compare anyone to Sachin Tendulkar. I mean, a 16-year-old (18-year-old) coming out to Australia and scoring a century in Perth on the hardest, (the) most unique pitch in world cricket where most players really struggle to play on a pitch," he added."...for him to score a century as a teenager in Perth was a freakish performance. It's very rare you get a Sachin Tendulkar come along. But I would never have expected a 14-year-old to score a 100 in the IPL, that was unthinkable," he added.The resemblance in their early exploits is striking — both teenagers who turned heads with their precocious talent. Yet, while Tendulkar carved out an unmatched legacy over 24 years, Suryavanshi is only at the start of his journey. Waugh acknowledged the promise in the young Indian but underlined that the true test lies ahead — in how he manages expectations and maintains his brilliance over time.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
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