While speaking at a Mumbai event, Kumble highlighted that not accelerating the journey of exceptional talent can be a challenging decision, yet it also alleviates some pressure on a young player.
“The player himself likely provides the answer to that question,” Kumble noted, discussing the ongoing conversation about fast-tracking players versus allowing gradual growth.
He drew comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who made a strong case for his selection as a teenager through consistent performances in the late 1980s.
Kumble recognized that Sooryavanshi has displayed encouraging signs, adding that the 15-year-old is “making all the right moves.”
“Right now, it’s a bit pressurizing for a young lad to be told, ‘I want you to play for India in two months,'” he remarked.
Pointing out the benefits of youth, the former captain emphasized that time is definitely on Sooryavanshi’s side.
“Even in 10 years, he’ll be just 25,” he noted.
Kumble reiterated that there is no predefined route to success in cricket, indicating that players may emerge at various stages in their careers and still make substantial contributions. He expressed his belief that Sooryavanshi’s performances will keep him firmly in the selectors’ sights.
“For Vaibhav, it might be this year, next year, or perhaps a few years down the line. But given how he’s batting, he’s definitely someone the selectors will be monitoring closely,” Kumble remarked.
Kumble holds the record as India’s top wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 619 dismissals in red-ball matches. He also served as the head coach of the senior men’s team from 2016 to 2017. In the franchise circuit, Kumble has previously taken on mentorship and coaching roles with the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Sooryavanshi was signed by RR ahead of IPL 2025 as a 13-year-old for ₹1.1 crore. He hit a six off his very first ball in the league, launching a maximum against Shardul Thakur in a match versus the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The southpaw also scored a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans (GT) and played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the U-19 World Cup held in Zimbabwe earlier this year.(With PTI inputs)
