Brett Lee states that young player Vaibhav Suryavanshi is brilliant, refuting age debates

August 9, 08:49

Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has attracted the attention of many global stars due to his skill at the young age of just 15. Now, the great Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has become a fan of his game. Lee dismissed discussions about Vaibhav's age as unfounded, emphasizing that what matters is not the player's age but his immense potential in cricket.

Brett Lee highly praised Vaibhav's aggressive style of play, his confidence against fast bowlers, and his mental resilience. He also speculated on the tactics he would use if he had to bowl against Vaibhav in his time. During a conversation on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Lee noted that outside of India, Vaibhav's age is most frequently discussed, but the former Australian fast bowler himself does not pay attention to it.

Brett Lee stated: 'He is incredible. Everyone outside of India asks if he is really 15 years old. I don't care how old he is. If he is 15, that's great, and if he is 17 or 18, what's the difference? This guy knows how to play cricket.' He called Vaibhav a remarkable find for Indian cricket and expressed hope for his future great achievements.

In IPL 2026, Vaibhav established himself with explosive batting. Even a fast bowling attack could not change his style of play. Brett Lee was particularly impressed by his performance of 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Lee noted that in that match, the fast bowlers were bowling at full speed, but Vaibhav fearlessly played short balls. In his opinion, the young batsman scores runs not only through power but also through correct cricketing shots.

According to Lee, the main challenge for Vaibhav in the future will not be his form or his game, but his ability to handle the fame and expectations that come at such a young age. He advised: 'The problem won't be his form or his game; it will be a matter of his mind. He needs to remain a child. Let him stay a child, and don't pressure him too much.'

Following a brilliant performance in the IPL, Vaibhav Suryavanshi earned a spot in the Indian T20 team. Although he did not achieve the expected success in international matches against England, he made an impressive comeback during the tour in Zimbabwe and became the 'Player of the Series.'

He was also asked how he would bowl against Vaibhav, who concerns world-class batsmen with his pace and bouncers. The former Australian fast bowler said that he enjoyed facing batsmen who played the hook and pull well. Such players made the test more exciting.

Lee mentioned that he would first analyze Vaibhav's game and then bowl bouncers aimed at the body. Even if Vaibhav managed to hit a six playing the hook, he would not back down and would check him again with a short ball next time.

www.aajtak.inAugust 7, 14:09

Appointment of 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi as Deputy Captain of Eastern Region Team Sparks Controversy

A new controversy has arisen in Indian cricket ahead of the Dalip Trophy 2026 tournament. Questions are being raised regarding the decision to appoint 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the deputy captain of the Eastern Region team. Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal called the selectors' decision hasty, noting that placing leadership responsibility on such a young player could create unnecessary pressure.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been appointed as the deputy captain of the Eastern Region for the Dalip Trophy, where Ishan Kishan will lead the team. Notably, this young batter from Bihar has played only eight first-class matches despite being given the role of deputy captain, while the team also features experienced players such as Abhimanyu Ishwar, who has 113 first-class matches under his belt.

His status was elevated following a recent visit to Zimbabwe, where Vaibhav Suryavanshi demonstrated outstanding play. He scored 151 runs in three T20 International matches and was named the Player of the Series. His explosive innings of 81 runs in the third and decisive match was a key factor in India's victory.

What did Priyank Panchal say?

Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal wrote on social media platform X that, in his opinion, the zonal selectors should have refrained from appointing Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the deputy captain of the Eastern Region. He suggested that this could put excessive pressure on the young athlete and advised allowing him to fully master the nuances of red-ball cricket before entrusting him with such responsibilities.

Following Panchal's comment, discussions on social media intensified. Many former cricketers and fans believe that Vaibhav should first be given time to establish himself in domestic red-ball matches before taking on a leadership role.

How did the selectors defend the decision?

Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Selection Committee firmly defended its decision. Former cricketer Manish Vardhan, representing Jharkhand, told Cricinfo that this decision was not made solely considering the current tournament. He emphasized that they are looking beyond the present. The deputy captain gets the opportunity to work closely with the captain and study team management. They wanted Vaibhav to become more involved in the team's operations, as this would aid his development. He is considered an extremely talented player who is constantly maturing, and they believe this responsibility is part of his development process.

When will the Dalip Trophy begin?

The 33rd Dalip Trophy tournament will take place from August 23rd at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bangalore. In the initial stage, the Eastern Region team will face the North-Eastern Region, while the Western Region will play against the Northern Region. The winners of these two matches will proceed to the semi-finals against the Southern and Central Regions, respectively, on August 30th. The tournament final is scheduled for September 5th.

www.aajtak.inAugust 4, 14:56

Sunil Gavaskar comments on Ajinkya Rahane's career, noting he did not receive due recognition

Ajinkya Rahane, one of the most reserved players in Indian cricket, recently concluded his career. Following this, former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar highly praised his contribution.

In his column published midday, Sunil Gavaskar stated that Ajinkya Rahane never received the deserved recognition for what he did for the Indian team as a captain and player. He compared Rahane to the great batsman Rahul Dravid and raised a serious question about the culture of Indian cricket.

Gavaskar noted that Rahane's record as a Test captain was impressive: he led six matches, winning four and losing none. Nevertheless, his leadership did not receive the praise it deserved.

Gavaskar mentioned that, similar to Rahul Dravid, who achieved many brilliant victories under his leadership but did not receive due reward, Rahane's leadership also never received proper applause. In his opinion, this is a characteristic of Indian cricket: when the team wins, the credit goes to the players who demonstrate individual achievements, whereas in case of defeat, all the blame is placed on the captain and coach.

Recalling the tour of Australia in 2020-21, Gavaskar recounted how Rahane took charge after the team failed, scoring only 36 runs in Adelaide. After returning to India due to Virat Kohli's first child's birth, Rahane assumed captaincy duties and laid the foundation for the team's return, scoring a magnificent century in Melbourne. Despite injuries to many senior players, Rahane inspired young athletes and led India to a memorable 2-1 series victory in the impregnable fortress of Australia—the 'Gabba'.

Furthermore, Gavaskar wrote that Rahane is one of those players who never had an enemy throughout his career. He leaves cricket with his head held high. Perhaps there are fewer than ten or twelve such players in the world who have not created enemies in their careers.