Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise has brought a new challenge alongside the runs, records and recognition that have made him one of Indian cricket’s most talked-about young talents. With expectations continuing to grow following his breakthrough IPL season and subsequent India call-up, former India cricketer S Sreesanth, speaking in an interview with a media channel, has urged the teenager to remain focused on cricket and avoid the distractions that often accompany early success.
The advice comes after a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign in which Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs to win the Orange Cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. He also claimed the Most Valuable Player award, Emerging Player of the Season honour, Super Striker award with a strike rate of 237.30 and the Super Sixers award after hitting 72 sixes, collecting all five major individual honours during the competition.
🚨S. Sreesanth warns Vaibhav Suryavanshi: "Stay away from professional managers" 👀
Sreesanth said many managers will now try to approach Vaibhav after his rise to fame.
His advice: "Don't get caught up in all that. Focus on your cricket, stay grounded, and let your family take… pic.twitter.com/vMA4GtIEuR
— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) June 11, 2026
Focus should remain on cricket
As Sooryavanshi’s profile continues to expand, Sreesanth believes those around him have an important role to play in protecting his long-term development.
Offering direct advice to the youngster, Sreesanth said, “Vaibhav, if you are watching this, my request to you is to leave these managers aside and focus on yourself. Your father will handle things, and your family members will handle things. Stay away from these professional managers.”
The former India international’s comments come as interest around the teenager continues to increase both on and off the field following his emergence as one of the standout performers of the IPL season.
The foundations behind the success
While much of the recent attention has centred on Sooryavanshi’s achievements, Sreesanth pointed to the work and support system that helped shape his development long before he entered the national spotlight.
Reflecting on that journey, he noted, “Even during Corona times, videos of him practising on the terrace were doing the rounds. His father — lots of respect to him. Respect to all his coaches and everyone involved because people always talk about opportunities in cricket.”
Sreesanth also highlighted the level of commitment required throughout the youngster’s formative years.
He added, “But imagine travelling four hours every day without even knowing whether you would get an opportunity, practising relentlessly, returning home and doing it all over again. Playing 750 to 1,000 balls daily, doing drills, working constantly — and then hearing him say he doesn’t enjoy taking a rest day.”
An example for the next generation
For Sreesanth, Sooryavanshi’s rise represents more than a personal success story. He believes the teenager’s dedication provides a blueprint for aspiring cricketers hoping to follow a similar path.
Discussing the impact of the batter’s achievements, he continued, “Man, no matter how little we say about Vaibhav, it won’t be enough. No matter how much we praise him, it will still fall short. For all the young kids watching and dreaming of becoming cricketers, he has shown the way. First, we had Sachin Paaji, then Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But what Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shown at this age is a prime example of commitment and perseverance.”
His performances have already earned him places in India’s squads for upcoming tours of Ireland and England, making him the youngest player selected in the Indian men’s setup and surpassing a longstanding record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar.
Managing the next phase
Sreesanth believes the priority now is ensuring that the environment around Sooryavanshi remains stable as his career enters a new stage.
Looking ahead, he stated, “I will learn from him. With all due respect to all the legendary cricketers, what this kid has shown is remarkable. Just leave him as he is. A lot of managers will come around now.”
As Sooryavanshi prepares for the next chapter of his career, Sreesanth’s message is centred not on talent or technique, but on preserving the focus and discipline that helped him reach this point.
