Steve Waugh warns IPL star Vaibhav Suryavanshi faces huge pressure as multi-millionaire before 16

Former Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh has praised 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his remarkable achievement in the IPL, where he scored a blazing 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest and fastest Indian centurion in IPL history.

Waugh described Suryavanshi as a "fantastic attraction for the sport" and highlighted the youngster's skill, mental toughness, and compelling backstory. However, he also warned about the immense pressure the young star will face as a multi-millionaire before turning 16, with an IPL contract worth over Rs one crore.

"As a 14-year-old, he had no concept of pressure... just play with complete freedom, so that was great to watch. I guess for him the challenge will be to keep it under control," Waugh said, emphasizing the mental challenge ahead.

Waugh also drew a comparison to cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar, noting that no one can be compared to him, especially referencing Tendulkar's freakish century at 18 in Perth, one of the toughest pitches in world cricket.

Suryavanshi's impeccable timing and ability to strike big bowlers have impressed many, and his rapid rise has made him a key player for Rajasthan Royals. Waugh's comments underline the balance between talent and the psychological demands of early stardom in professional cricket.

Key quotes:
"He's got a lot of skill, he's mentally tough and he's got a great backstory, so you want to see someone like that be successful."
"I don't think you can compare anyone to Sachin Tendulkar... a 16-year-old coming out to Australia and scoring a century in Perth... was a freakish performance."

Stats:
- Suryavanshi scored a 35-ball century, the fastest by any Indian in IPL history.
- Holds an IPL contract worth over Rs one crore.
- Youngest-ever centurion in T20 cricket.

This combination of youthful talent and the looming pressure of fame and wealth before adulthood presents a unique challenge for Suryavanshi, as highlighted by Waugh's insights.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh praised 14-year-old IPL star Vaibhav Suryavanshi's record-breaking century, calling him a 'fantastic attraction' but warned the young multi-millionaire faces immense pressure before turning 16. Suryavanshi's 35-ball century is the fastest by an Indian in IPL history.