Former India cricketer WV Raman has sparked a fresh debate around talent development after suggesting that 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should already be playing beyond the Under-19 level. Raman, who was previously in contention alongside Gautam Gambhir for the role of India men’s head coach, believes prolonged exposure to age-group cricket could be “detrimental” to Sooryavanshi’s long-term growth and goes against the “big picture” of nurturing elite talent.

Raman’s comments came during the ongoing Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. India began their campaign with a six-wicket DLS win over the USA, a match in which Sooryavanshi had a mixed outing. The teenage all-rounder picked up a wicket with his part-time spin in the first innings but struggled with the bat, managing just two runs before being bowled after an ambitious charge down the track.

Taking to X, Raman wrote, “This could be an unpopular opinion. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has performed extremely well in the A series and the IPL. Making him play at the U-19 level is likely to be detrimental to his growth. He may win matches no doubt, but it should always be about the big picture.”

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The statement has naturally raised questions about where Raman sees Sooryavanshi fitting if not at the Under-19 level. For context, the youngster has already played senior domestic cricket for Bihar across formats, featured in the Ranji Trophy, and represented India A in high-profile tournaments such as the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Few players his age have accumulated such diverse experience so early.

This could be an unpopular opinion. #Suryavanshi has performed extremely well in the A series and the IPL. Making him play at the U-19 level is likely to be detrimental to his growth. He may win matches no doubt, but it should be always be about the big picture! #indiancricket

— WV Raman (@wvraman) January 15, 2026

If Sooryavanshi were to skip the Under-19 World Cup, however, his match exposure would be limited. Bihar are already out of the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, leaving him without competitive cricket until the IPL in March.

Unsurprisingly, comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar have followed, especially after Sooryavanshi’s astonishing IPL century against the Gujarat Titans last season. Yet fast-tracking him to the senior national team appears unlikely for now, given India’s depth in opening options across formats.

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More importantly, recent inconsistencies underline a crucial truth: despite his exceptional talent, Sooryavanshi is still a teenager learning to navigate elite-level cricket. His journey will require time, patience, and a balanced ecosystem that prioritises sustainable growth over short-term hype.