Virender Sehwag has told RR’s young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to emulate Virat Kohli and play at least 20 years in the IPL. Suryavanshi created history during RR’s game against LSG when he became the youngest player to make his debut in the IPL and marked the occasion with a 20-ball 34.
The 14-year-old hit a six off the very first ball he faced in the tournament and then went on to play in the match at the Chinnaswamy against RCB. The Royals made a big investment in the youngster, shelling out Rs. 1.1 Crore for him in the auction. Suryavanshi still remains raw in his playing style, and Sehwag advised him to take praise and criticism well.
Sehwag told the 14-year-old to remain grounded and not let fame get to his head, as he has seen happen with many stars.
“If you step out knowing that you will get praised for doing well and criticised for not doing well, you will remain grounded. I have seen many players who come, get fame from one or two matches, then they do not do anything, because they think that they have become a star player,” Sehwag stated, speaking on Cricbuzz.
‘If Suryavanshi is happy with this IPL, we may not see him next year’
Sehwag then told Suryavanshi to be like Kohli, who started playing IPL at the age of 19 and has gone on to play all the seasons of IPL. The former Indian opener said that if the 14-year-old is happy just playing this season of the IPL, thinking he is a millionaire already and had a great debut, then we may not get to see him next season.
“Suryavanshi must aim to play 20 years in the IPL. Look at Virat Kohli, he started playing when he was 19 years old, now he has played all 18 seasons. That is what he should be trying to emulate. But, if he is happy with this IPL, thinking that he is now a millionaire, had a great debut, hit a six off the first ball, maybe we won’t see him next year,” said Sehwag.
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