Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s recent on-field altercation has sparked intense debate among cricket fans, with opinions divided over the teenager’s behaviour. However, former India mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton believes the bigger concern is preparing the 15-year-old sensation for the challenges that lie ahead.
Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a remarkable rise in cricket. After a stunning IPL 2026 campaign, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, expectations around him have skyrocketed. Upton, who worked with the Indian team between 2008 and 2011, feels the youngster now needs guidance on handling setbacks.
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According to Upton, no cricketer can maintain extraordinary form forever. He pointed out that even legends such as Sachin Tendulkar experienced failure more often than success during their careers. Therefore, preparing Sooryavanshi for low scores and criticism is essential.
The former coach also warned against the dangers of external pressure. Comparisons with Tendulkar and other Indian greats may seem flattering, but they can become a burden for young players. Upton noted that several promising talents have struggled after getting caught up in expectations and media attention.
He further stressed that managing fame at the age of 15 is extremely difficult. With sudden popularity comes increased scrutiny, criticism and the presence of people who may not always have the player’s best interests at heart.
Upton believes the BCCI should provide strong support and mentorship to help Sooryavanshi navigate the challenges of fame, failure and public attention. He added that opponents are likely to target the youngster mentally after seeing his recent reaction on the field.
For Upton, failure is inevitable in sport. The key is learning how to recover from it, and he believes preparing Sooryavanshi for those moments now could prove crucial for his long-term success.
