Former England pacer calls Vaibhav Suryavanshi next Sachin Tendulkar

Ex England pacer Ryan Sidebottom has joined the Vaibhav Suryavanshi appreciation bandwagon. The 14-year-old became the youngest batter to score a century in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. The youngster also scored became the fastest Indian century maker in the league. His 35-ball ton bettered the 37-ball century scored by Yusuf Pathan in 2010. 

Speaking to Boyle Sports, the former left-arm quick said “It's wonderful, isn't it? I think India, because cricket is just like everything to them. When you go over there, it's crazy. Everything is cricket. They are like your Premier League footballers over here in England. Everybody knows what they're doing, where they live, what they're up to, what games they're playing in”

Sidebottom also said “They are proper superstars in world cricket. So, now your Kohlis have retired and your Tendulkars, who's next? This 14-year-old who has burst onto the scene. It's almost like another Sachin Tendulkar. Already, they've unearthed this absolute gem," 

IPL 2025: Season to remember for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

The 14-year-old made his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants and in his very first ball smashed Shardul Thakur for a six. Many former cricketers have been marvelling at the amazing talents of young Suryavanshi after his exploits. Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh too praised the youngster during a recent media interaction. 

In his chat with Boyle Sports, the former left-arm pacer said “I think the thing is not to get too carried away but, wow, to burst onto the scene like that in the IPL, the way he hit the ball was truly unreal. Actually, when they were saying that this 14-year-old is playing, he doesn't look 14, does he? He looks like a grown man already,"

“He's so mature, and he's quite a big lad. But, I mean, wow, how he hit the ball and the way he played. Hitting a six as soon as he came in. I remember my first game. I was so nervous. It was horrible. He was like a duck to water. He absolutely just thrived and loved the big occasion. So, well done to him. It's great that India is talking about these youngsters once again." Further added Ryan Sidebottom.